As reported by British media, United Kingdom is studying banning the sale of energy drinks to those under 16, with the objective of "mitigate the possible negative effects associated with their excessive consumption by children".
In an attempt to curb childhood obesity and protect the health of children and adolescents, there are already several countries that have adopted similar measures. Also in our country, some autonomous communities are taking important steps in this line.
Energy drinks in the spotlight
After a consultation conducted by the British Department of Health, which has investigated how energy drinks can harm children's health, the secretary of Health of the United Kingdom, Matt Hancock, is studying to prohibit its sale to the minors of 16 years.
If made official, this measure would be added to the tax on sugary beverages that is already applied in the United Kingdom, but which defends the elimination of Boris Johnson, the main candidate to become the next British Prime Minister.
In Babies and more Increase taxes on sugary drinks and subsidize fruits and vegetables: solutions to the 21st century epidemic are soughtAlthough the media reported, Matt Hancock is aware of the negative impact that manufacturers and retailers could have on banning the sale of energy drinks to children, there are several sectors of society that would support this measure. Among them, I would point out the NASUWT teachers' union, which has been alerting about the negative effects that these drinks have on students.
In the absence of knowing if this law will finally be approved, there are already several English supermarkets that prohibit the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 years. The initiative, which arose voluntarily by supermarkets and chains, was born in response to consumer demand.
How energy drinks affect children's health
Rockstar, Red Bull, Monster ... the consumption of energy drinks is increasingly common among children and adolescents. They opt for them as a way to stay awake, gain energy during times of excitement or just for fun, even mixing them with alcohol.
According to a study conducted in 2018 among British children and adolescents, 69% of adolescents and 24% of children ingest this type of drinks, with a consumption of four or five times per week among 19% of adolescents.
The researchers warn that excessive consumption could be associated with a series of adverse health effects, in addition to causing risk behaviors. Not surprisingly, energy drinks contain high doses of sugar and central nervous system stimulants such as caffeine and taurine in high proportions.
Among the short-term effects generated by excessive consumption of energy drinks, headaches, hyperactivity, sleep disorders, stomach discomfort, depression and low self-esteem, and a lower sense of well-being.
In the long term, energy drinks contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, bone problems and worse oral health.
In VitónicaThe usual consumption of energy drinks can contribute to obesity and worse oral healthChildren consume too many sugary drinks
Leaving aside the fact that energy drinks also contain substances not recommended for children such as taurine and caffeine, the sugar present in this type of drinks, in soda with or without gas and in packaged juices it poses a serious risk to the health of children.
WHO recommends not exceeding 25 grams of added sugar per day, but a single can of soda already contains more than twice the sugar of the maximum recommended amount.However, despite the indications of the WHO and frequent alerts from pediatricians and nutritionists, too many families continue to resort to juices and sugary drinks as a usual option to quench children's thirst.
But children should drink only water, and it is especially important to offer it frequently at this hot time of the year, since they take longer than to identify the sensation of thirst, and are at greater risk of dehydration. Let us also remember the importance of offering nutritious and refreshing foods such as fruits and vegetables, and, in general, Eat a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits.
