Researchers sound alarm over youth energy drink consumption

A new study reveals that 15 percent of Danish children aged 10–17 regularly consume energy drinks, with one in eight exceeding EU caffeine recommendations at least once a week, reports DR.

The findings, published by the Technical University of Denmark’s National Food Institute for the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, draw on data from the 2021–2024 DANSDA survey on dietary habits and physical activity. Senior researcher Anja Biltoft-Jensen, who contributed to the study, called the trend “quite alarming,” emphasizing that children and adolescents are far more sensitive to caffeine than adults.

The data shows that 88 percent of regular youth consumers exceed caffeine limits linked to sleep disruption—set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)—at least weekly. “Sleep is critical for growth and development,” Biltoft-Jensen noted, warning that disrupted rest could impair concentration and well-being.

Nearly a third (29 percent) of young energy drink consumers surpass caffeine thresholds associated with adverse effects like dizziness, tremors, heart palpitations, headaches, and restlessness.

Sales of energy drinks in Denmark have surged nearly 1,200 percent since 2010, the study finds. EFSA guidelines cap safe caffeine intake for minors at 3 mg per kilogram of body weight daily—equivalent to half a liter of Monster Energy for a 50 kg teen, spread over 24 hours. Consuming the same amount near bedtime would require a body weight of 110 kg to avoid sleep disruption, according to senior advisor Lea Bredsdorff.

Both researchers advocate for policy action, including statutory age restrictions on purchases, bans on youth-targeted advertising, clearer packaging warnings, or higher taxes to curb consumption. “Even implementing some of these measures would mark clear progress,” Biltoft-Jensen said.

Denmark’s Food Administration currently advises against energy drinks for children. While Health Minister Sophie Løhde previously expressed support for Norway’s proposed under-16 sales ban, the outgoing government has ruled out immediate prohibition, focusing instead on marketing regulations.