Addicted to the kick

Energy drinks: Underestimated danger for young people

Many young people drink energy drinks every day.

(Bild: Monkey Business/stock.adobe.com)

Those who don't like the bitter taste of coffee often turn to energy drinks for the desired caffeine kick, often children and young people, even "infected" by famous internet stars. Why the ingredients in canned stimulants could be dangerous and which other drinks will wake you up.

According to the largest ongoing European child and adolescent health study HBSC (Health Behavior in School-Aged Children), one in twelve young people in Austria drinks at least one energy drink a day. According to a survey, 17 percent of young people in Germany even consume more than one liter per day. Three percent of energy drink consumers are as young as six to ten years old! Experts are sounding the alarm that this could have serious health consequences.