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Energy Drinks Are Not for Kids 

More than half of the energy drink market consists of children and young adults. Although endorsed by sports stars and targeted to younger people, energy drinks are not for kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics summed it up, concluding that “energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and adolescents.”

MORE: The Downfall of Drinking Your Calories

Energy Drinks and Alcohol: Danger!

On November 17, 2010, the FDA ruled that premixed drinks that include both alcohol and caffeine (alcoholic energy drinks) are unsafe. Although this stopped sales of such beverages, the ruling did not curtail the practice of combining alcohol with energy drinks. People just mix the drinks themselves. Surveys find that 25 to 50 percent of college students regularly consume combinations of energy drinks and alcohol. This is a dangerous practice.

The caffeine in energy drinks can counteract the drowsiness normally caused by alcohol. Drinkers stay awake longer and often drink more. This increases the risk of alcohol poisoning.

In addition, the energy drink can create the perception that the drinker is not impaired by the alcohol; the drinker feels more “alert” and believes that his reflexes (and driving ability) remain intact. This can lead to serious problems behind the wheel. Energy drinks do not counteract alcohol’s effect on dulling reflexes.

If you are of age, drink alcohol responsibly. Don’t mix alcohol and driving. And don’t mix alcohol and energy drinks.

MORE: Drinks That Reduce Appetite

Are Energy Drinks for You?

In a court of law, we presume that a person is innocent until proven guilty. When it comes to medicine, we take the opposite approach. A drug or supplement is considered dangerous until proven safe.

Energy drinks have not been proven safe. In fact, because they are classified as supplements, they are not even regulated by the FDA. This means that their ingredients are not tightly controlled and their health effects are largely unstudied.

We do think that an adult who consumes an occasional energy drink (one a day) is unlikely to suffer harm. But too much can lead to caffeine overdose and health problems, and mixing energy drinks and alcohol is a bad idea. And remember—there is no justification for giving these drinks to children and teens.

Seek simpler and safer ways to maintain your energy and stay alert. Get a good night’s sleep. Exercise daily. Eat well. These are the real magic bullets.