Energy drinks dramatically increase hyperactivity in schoolchildren

Middle-school children who consume heavily sweetened energy drinks may suffer from hyperactivity and inattention, according to a new study.

A new study led by the Yale School of Public Health suggests parents and teachers limit the amount of sweetened beverages schoolchildren drink. Energy drinks were linked to a 66 percent higher risk for these behaviors, compared to a 14 percent increased risk after consuming other sweetened drinks like soda or juice.

"As the total number of sugar-sweetened beverages increased, so too did risk for hyperactivity and inattention symptoms among our middle-school students. Importantly, it appears that energy drinks are driving this association," said the research team leader professor Jeannette Ickovics, director of CARE (Community Alliance for Research and Engagement) at the School of Public Health.

"Our results support the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that parents should limit consumption of sweetened beverages and that children should not consume any energy drinks."

In addition to their influence on hyperactivity and concentration, these drinks can also play a significant role in childhood obesity. In the U.S., sugar-sweetened beverages are the number one contributor of daily calories for obese children.

The students in this study drank an average of two sugary drinks a day. The number of daily sugary drinks ranged from none to as many as seven or more such drinks. Some sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks contain up to 40 grams of sugar each. Depending on how old they are, children should only have about 21 to 33 grams of sugar a day, according to the study.