K-State nutrition specialist urges families to understand safe caffeine levels and the risks of energy drinks
With brightly colored cans and bold marketing aimed at teens, energy drinks may seem harmless, but a Kansas State University Extension expert says their caffeine content tells a different story.
In a recent episode of the weekly K-State radio show, Agriculture Today, nutrition specialist Chelsea King urged caution for those who consume energy drinks.
King noted that energy drinks continue to rise in popularity among teens and young adults, despite containing high levels of caffeine, added sugars and other stimulants. She emphasized that parents and young consumers should be cautious about relying on these beverages for energy or alertness.
“Children 12 and under should not be consuming any caffeine,” King said, explaining that their developing bodies are more sensitive to stimulants. For adolescents, she added, “Kids ages 12 to 18 should limit caffeine intake to 100 milligrams per day — roughly one small cup of coffee.”
King also outlined recommendations for adults.
“A healthy adult can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day,” she said.
She highlighted the concern that energy drinks often exceed these amounts quickly. Many contain anywhere from 150 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per can, not including added stimulants such as guarana or taurine, which can further amplify the effects.
King said misconceptions about caffeine sources also come up frequently.
“People will ask me about their kids eating chocolate, but chocolate only contains about 5 to 10 milligrams of caffeine, which is not a concern,” she said.
King stressed that the far greater issue is high-caffeine beverages marketed with bright packaging and promises of performance or alertness.
Instead of relying on energy drinks, King suggests better alternatives for boosting focus and managing fatigue: drinking water, eating balanced meals, taking movement breaks and getting enough sleep. She noted these options promote long-term energy rather than a brief spike followed by a crash.
To learn more about energy drinks and alternatives, listen to the full episode on Agriculture Today.
PHOTO: A male buyer examines a drink can from a store fridge. (iStock │ #2160701515 – Stockah)
