Poison control centers report shocking 20% hike in calls for kids chugging energy drinks
Calls to the U.S. poison centers concerning children consuming energy drinks spiked to about 20% in 2023, according to newly released data from America’s Poison Centers.
The steep increase in the volume of calls is even more shocking as the number has re♎mained relatively steady in recent years.
The America’s Poison Centers said that there were 2,834 calls in 2023, a stark increase from 2022’s 2,323 calls.
Energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster contain much higher levels of caffeine than the standard soda or coffee — which can be dangerous for children.
and the advise that children — and even teenagers — avoid the pumped-up beverages to prevent caffeine-related complications, including caffeine poisoning and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
But the o🍰ften brightly-colored drinks are sometimes mistakenly drunk by kids.
About 48% of the calls of kids drinking energy drinks in 2023 were reported as unintentional chugs, with the rate of cas🌺es almost doubling for 6-🌄year-olds and 12-year-olds.
Signs of possible caffeine overdoses include an increased heart rate, heart palpitations, heightened blood pressure, aไnxiousness and r𒅌apid breathing.
The FDA considers 400 mg of caffeine — which is about two to three cups of the average coffee — safe for adults to consume. One can of Monster Energy contains 160 mg, and Bang boasts a staggering 300 mg.