Resources educate doctors, kids on health risks of caffeinated drinks

ISMA Resolution 18-10, authored by Richard Huber, MD, directed the ISMA Board of Trustees (BOT) to study the dangers of caffeine consumption among youth and report its findings to the 2019 BOT. In its report, the committee issued recommendations to help eliminate or reduce the marketing and sale of these drinks to Hoosier children and adolescents, with the goal of reducing their consumption.

The committee directed ISMA to provide members with a copy of the report. It also recommended providing a list of educational resources for physicians about the dangers of caffeine consumption by young people, as well as resources physicians can use to educate their patients about this issue during wellness and sports physical exams.

Physician education materials

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

ACSM Announces New Recommendations and Warnings Regarding Safety of Energy Drinks Current Sports Medicine Reports (2018)

Energy Drinks: A Contemporary Issues Paper Current Sports Medicine Reports (2018)

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Kids Should Not Consume Energy Drinks and Rarely Need Sports Drinks, AAP says HealthyChildren.org (2011) the AAP announces its stand on energy drinks for children.

Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate?. Pediatrics (2011) In this clinical report, the AAP outlines how these products are being misused, discusses their ingredients and provides guidance to decrease or eliminate consumption by children and adolescents.

Clinical Report – Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate? Pediatrics (2011) Affirmed and updated in 2018.

National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

Position Statement and Recommendations for the Use of Energy Drinks by Young Athletes mpssaa.org (2011)

American College of Cardiology (ACC)

Stimulant-Containing Energy Drinks aac.org (2018) This is AAC’s position statement and recommendations for use of energy drinks by young athletes.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Buzz on Energy Drinks (2019)

Consumer Reports

New Worries About Energy Drinks (2017)

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Review: Trends, Safety, and Recommendations for Caffeine Use in Children and Adolescents (2019) Reviews the literature concerning trends and safety of ingested caffeine in children and adolescents.

Caffeine Informer