The report says highly-caffeinated drinks can do more than just cause jitters.
In some cases it can lead to se
rious medical problems, especially for children who have diabetes, seizure disorders, heart problems or A-D-H-D.The study is drawing criticism from the beverage industry, which says many energy drinks contain the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.
And the industry says they're not popular among kids and teenagers, even though surveys show 30 to 50% of kids drink them regularly.
Energy drinks are the faster-growing segment of the U.S. beverage market.
Sales of the Jolt juice are expected to top $9 billion this year.
The issue, say doctors, is that energy drinks are considered "food supplements," and therefore, not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
8 ounces of Red Bull has 75 milligrams, while a standard cup of coffee has about 80. A cup of Starbucks coffee can have 180 milligrams of caffeine.
Monster Energy drink has 160 milligrams of caffeine, while Thermo Rage brand has a whopping 400 milligrams.
