Study makes push to handle energy drinks like tobacco products

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A new study recommends energy drinks be treated the same as tobacco products.

The authors of the study pointed to negative health effects highly caffeinated drinks can have on children 12 to 17 years old. The study, which will appear the April issue of “Nutrition Reviews,” states energy drinks can cause social, emotional and behavioral issues in kids and lead to about 1,500 hospital visits each year.

The authors want energy drinks to be moved away from other beverages in stores and put behind the counter, side-by-side with cigarettes. They also say they should not be sold to anyone under 18.

Globally, energy drinks are a $27.5 billion industry. The American Beverage Association is strongly opposing the proposed changes from the study. The group said energy drink makers voluntarily go far beyond all federal requirements when it comes to labeling their products and education. They’ve also voluntarily pledged not to market to teens or sell their drinks in K through 12 schools.

Still researchers back up their argument by citing the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation that children and teens should not consume energy drinks and that there should be an under 18 ban.