Doctors Explain the Dangers of Energy Drinks for Children
The Russian government is seeking to tighten the law on the sale of energy drinks to minors. The relevant bill is currently under consideration in the State Duma. According to Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, the bill needs to be passed by August.
Volodin emphasized that currently, one in four Russians consumes energy drinks. Among young people aged 18 to 24, this proportion exceeds 53%, and in the 25 to 29 age group, it is nearly 50%.
The proposal includes fines for those who sell energy drinks to children in stores and sets a maximum allowable container size of 500 ml for the manufacturers.
Chairman of the Duma Committee on Health Protection, Badma Bashankaev, told Izvestia that the new bill could come into force as early as September if it is passed by the Duma and the committee. Although many Russian regions have already implemented restrictions on the sale of energy drinks, Bashankaev stated, “We believe that a federal-level ban on the sale of energy drinks to children and teenagers is necessary.”
At first glance, energy drinks might seem similar to regular sodas, but with added stimulants. Bashankaev explained that these drinks contain a high amount of sugar, and the additives that boost activity lead to the depletion of the developing body.
Frequent consumption of energy drinks can cause digestive problems, gastritis, obesity, diabetes, and also affect the psyche and nervous system. In some ways, these drinks can be addictive.
This opinion is supported by Alexey Nikishenkov, a therapist and research associate in the Department of Occupational Pathology. He explained that the nervous system of children and adolescents is still developing. If a child aged 10-12 consumes energy drinks, they may develop arrhythmias, which can sometimes be life-threatening. Energy drinks increase blood pressure and affect the walls of the heart and blood vessels, leading to impaired circulation.
Nikishenkov added that the dosage and volume of energy drinks are designed for adults and their corresponding body weight. When a child, who weighs two to three times less, consumes an adult-sized portion, they exceed the permissible dose by two to three times with just one can. Even adults are advised not to drink more than one can per day, but these recommendations are often ignored by both adults and children.
“This damages the psyche, leads to aggressive behavior, and negatively affects the digestive system,” the doctor noted.
The Duma plans to consider not only the ban on sales but also the introduction of labeling for these drinks.
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