Energydrinks: Der Kick, der uns (und unsere Kinder) krank macht | Die Story | Kontrovers | BR24

Energy-Drink Use Among Children and Teenagers

The report examines energy-drink consumption among children and teenagers, the health concerns raised by doctors and consumer advocates, and the beverage industry’s opposition to an age limit.

Students’ Experiences

Three high-school students near Munich describe drinking energy drinks socially, for sport, and to stay awake while studying. They agree to stop for three months. Initial medical checks found high blood pressure in two of them. At follow-up, their blood pressure, ECGs, and heart examinations were all reported as good. The doctor urged them not to resume drinking the beverages.

Caffeine, Sugar, and Consumption

A school workshop highlights the caffeine and sugar in energy drinks. One 500 ml can shown in the report contains about 54 grams of sugar—equivalent to 18 sugar cubes. The German Nutrition Society’s recommended daily amount for children and adolescents is around 30 grams.

A survey cited in the report found that:

• One-third of 13- to 15-year-olds drink energy drinks at least monthly.
• Nearly one in five drink them at least weekly.
• Six percent drink them almost daily.

The report also notes that a 500 ml can containing 160 mg of caffeine can exceed a child’s recommended daily caffeine limit.

Health Concerns

Doctors at LMU University Hospital say their research found that even a relatively modest energy drink consumed in the morning was associated with higher 24-hour blood pressure, less sleep, more frequent heart-rhythm abnormalities, and poorer heart-pumping function in children and adolescents.

A separate school heart-screening project found abnormalities in 1,200 children. Of those, 145 were referred for further examination; eight had serious heart conditions, and four required surgery. Researchers suspect energy drinks may contribute to heart problems, but the screening results do not establish that the drinks caused them.

Doctors also describe the death of a 16-year-old who drank large amounts of energy drinks while studying and suffered a fatal arrhythmia. She had undiagnosed myocarditis, which doctors believe may have combined with her high intake to trigger the arrhythmia.

Advertising and Sponsorship

The programme questions advertising that links energy drinks with sport and performance. Red Bull and other brands promote extreme sports and sponsor athletes; Red Bull’s reported marketing budget was about €3.1 billion.

Former Red Bull athlete and climber Alexander Megos says sponsorship can support athletes and niche sports, but explains that his contract included bonuses for brand visibility. He later left the sponsorship, partly because its motorsport associations conflicted with his environmental commitments.

Debate Over an Age Limit

Pediatric cardiologists and Foodwatch support banning sales to under-18s. They argue that early consumption can lead to continued use and point to restrictions already in place in several European countries.

The beverage industry disputes claims that young people consume energy drinks excessively, citing European and German consumption data and safety assessments by European authorities. It also says its products are aimed at young adults, not children.

The report highlights disagreement between German ministries over responsibility for the issue. A Foodwatch representative argues that industry influence helps prevent an age limit.

Presenters and Contributors

The report’s authors are Sina Wende and Sebastian Krause. Contributors featured include students Jona, Florian, and Felix; Professor Nikolaus Haas; Dr Felix Oberhoffer; Katharina Holthausen; Rebecca Siegmann; and Alexander Megos.