![\"iStock_000005290725_cans\"](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/iStock_000005290725_cans.jpg\")
<\/a>often sugar-laden energy drinks can harm children and adolescents, and supports physicians’ groups and policymakers calling for restrictions on marketing and sales of these drinks to children under 18, according to a new study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity<\/a> at the University of Connecticut.<\/p>\nThis study examined the existing research on sales and marketing of energy drinks, their consumption by youth under 18, and growing evidence that they can be harmful and may lead to negative health, social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes, especially when consumed by youth.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnergy drink consumption has increased rapidly over the past five years, despite increasing evidence of negative immediate and long-term health effects, especially when consumed by youth under 18,\u201d says Jennifer Harris, a study author, associate professor-in-residence at UConn, and director of marketing initiatives for the Rudd Center. \u201cCompanies say these products are safe to market and sell to children as young as 12, but the evidence says otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study appears in the April issue of the journal Nutrition Reviews<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n In contrast to declining sales for most other types of sugary drinks, sales of energy drinks increased by 53 percent from 2007 to 2012, and manufacturers continue to market these products directly to youth.<\/p>\n According to the study, there is considerable evidence that energy drinks present a public health threat:<\/p>\n The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends<\/a> that children and adolescents should not consume energy drinks, and the American Medical Association supports<\/a> banning the marketing of energy drinks to children under 18 \u201cto protect the health of American kids.\u201d<\/p>\n However, major energy drink manufacturers disagree. During a 2013 hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, energy drink company executives asserted, \u201cRed Bull is safe for teenagers and adults to consume,\u201d and \u201cWe believe our product [Monster Energy Drink] is safe for teenagers, and there is no reason why teenagers should not be part of being able to consume the brand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
\n