Previously linked to health problems such as nausea and abnormal heart rhythms, caffeinated energy drinks like Red Bull and Amp may also be a predictor of high-risk behavior by teens, The New York Times reports.
About a third of 12- to 24-year-olds are regular users of energy drinks.
The Journal of American College Health published a report in March on the link between energy drinks, athletics and risky behavior.
The March study's finding doesn’t mean the drinks cause bad behavior. Rather, the data suggests that teens and 'tweens who regularly consume them are more likely to take risks with their health and safety, Kathleen Miller, the study's author, said.
Source: Fox News
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,358523,00.html
I've been noticing some other news stories this year that indicate a rising alertness toward kids who use energy drinks. Parents should keep an eye on this trend. While this study does not provide a causal link between using energy drinks and involvement in risky behaviors, the finding that those kids who regularly use these drinks and those who engage in risky behaviors ought to be enough of a caution flag for parents to take notice. Are you personally aware of any links between energy links and risky behaviors? Let me know.
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