Chris Holstege, MD
Christopher Holstege, MD, a professor of medicine and pediatrics at UVA School of Medicine and director of the Blue Ridge Poison Center, spoke about the dangers of energy drinks for kids in a media interview that was picked up by news outlets across Virginia and nationally.
Newly released data from America’s Poison Centers reveals a 20 percent surge in calls about children rapidly consuming energy drinks in 2023. Health experts are raising the alarm as the drinks pose a growing risk to youth.
Dr. Holstege notes that the American Academy of Pediatrics has long advised against caffeine consumption for children under 12 and recommends limiting intake to 100 milligrams per day for those aged 12 to 18. The concern lies in the high levels of sugar and caffeine in these beverages, which attract children but carry significant health risks. Poison centers are seeing this troubling trend continue to escalate.
According to Holstege, “Chemically, [caffeine] is a stimulant, and as doses get higher, you can have problems with sleep, anxiety, and in severe cases, seizures or heart rhythm issues.” Holstege emphasizes that these risks are particularly concerning for children because their brains are still developing.
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