At young ages, excessive consumption of energy drinks can alter heart structures. This results in significant disruptions to the heart's rhythm. 68% of European adolescents regularly consume energy drinks, according to The European Food Safety Authority. This phenomenon poses a huge health risk to children.

A 250-milliliter dose of energy drink contains, on average, 80 milligrams of caffeine. In comparison, a strong espresso contains between 40 and 75 milligrams.

Taurine is another ingredient. An amino acid produced by the animal and human body, found in bile, lung tissue and muscles. However, the taurine contained in energy drinks is synthetic.

Some manufacturers include guarana and ginseng extracts among the ingredients. Both contain caffeine. Overall, an addition of chemicals that temporarily force the body to endure longer without sleep, in situations requiring energy.

Dr. Ciprian Constantin, specialist in diabetes, nutrition and metabolic diseases: "They increase your basal metabolism, and then these energizers also come with a flip side at some point because you have a faster pulse, you're more agitated, you can sweat when you're in a cold room for others. Concentration capacity diminishes, and with prolonged use of these energy boosters, one reaches a state of reduced alertness".

Psychoactive effect

Addiction on energy drinks sets in within a few weeks. The younger the consumer, the more significant the effects. That's why selling to minors was recently banned. Unfortunately, it's precisely adolescents and young people who mix or alternate alcohol with energy drinks at parties. Both have psychoactive effects, severely affecting self-control, and most consumers end up drinking more alcohol than they could typically consume. The heart beats too fast, and hypertension occurs. The coronary arteries, those that supply blood to the heart, dilate.

Dr. Ciprian Constantin, specialist in diabetes, nutrition and metabolic diseases: "Alcohol plus energy drink can lead to hypoglycemia, extrasystoles, and can even lead to death when consumed in large quantities".

If energy drinks are accidentally consumed by a young child, seek emergency medical care immediately. The child needs cardiac monitoring and rebalancing until the substances in the drink are expelled from the body.