It's time to ban the sale of energy drinks to children, says a senior doctor

It's time to put in place laws banning the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to children and youth in England to fight the double epidemic of obesity and mental health issues, says Professor Russell Viner, president of BMJ aujourd & # 39; hui.

Children and youth in high-income countries consume more sugar and calories than necessary and are therefore unlikely to need additional energy. This combined with regular consumption of caffeine is worrying, says Viner, because there is little evidence of the effect that caffeine could potentially have on the developing body.

In a 2014 survey of more than 5,000 children in England, 14% of 11-15 year olds reported consuming energy drinks at least two to four times a week and 5% of all youths reported using energy drinks . The high sugar content of many of these beverages (up to 27 g of sugar per 250 ml serving) undoubtedly contributes to overall caloric loss and the resulting obesity epidemic in our children, he writes.

Caffeine is probably the most used psychoactive drug in the world because it increases activity and increases attention and awareness. But caffeine also increases anxiety, reduces sleep and is linked to behavioral problems in children, adds Viner. Recent studies also show that it can have effects on the developing brain.

Yet, very little is known about the safety profile of caffeine. Energy drinks may contain at least 320 mg / L of caffeine and it appears that the consumption of energy drinks in children and youth is associated with anxiety, depression, sensation seeking and hyperactivity and increased inattention.

This is alarming, says Viner, because psychological distress can lead to risky behaviors, such as drug use, and poorer academic performance.

But perhaps the most worrying is the effects on sleep, he says. A clear inverse association has been established between the consumption of energy drinks containing caffeine and the duration of sleep. Humans naturally derive energy from "good nutrition, restful sleep, physical exercise and, most importantly, interaction with others," writes -he.

He points out that many UK supermarkets have now banned the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to people under 16, and several countries have bans in place. The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health supports these restrictions, as well as an assessment of the effect of these policies on the purchasing habits of young people and their health.

Viner believes that the government's consultation should lead to a search for improved evidence, but concludes: "There is now enough evidence to take action to protect children."

Explore more:
UK plans to ban sale of energy drinks to children

More information:
Editorial: Prohibition of the sale of energy drinks to children www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k3856