Doctors Warn Against Energy Drink Consumption by Children Amidst Big 12 Conference Sponsorship Deal
A newly formed coalition of doctors is raising concerns about the risks energy drinks pose to children, particularly in light of a sponsorship deal between Monster Energy and the Big 12 Conference college athletic organization. The doctors are urging the conference to reconsider the sponsorship and the NCAA to review the marketing of energy drinks to young people. This concern stems from incidents, including the death of a 16-year-old, Davis Cripe, who experienced a fatal arrhythmia after consuming an energy drink, a Mountain Dew, and a latte. Medical groups, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, advise against energy drink consumption for children and teenagers due to high caffeine levels, which can lead to abnormal heartbeats, increased heart rate, sleep disturbances, dehydration, agitation, high blood pressure, and seizures. Despite these warnings, a significant percentage of high school students report daily energy drink consumption, with caffeine content in these drinks ranging from 80 to 300 mg...
