Speak with your patients about the harms of energy drinks

According to the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, teens viewed 9% to 16% more ads than adults for three energy drink brands. Two cans of energy drinks could contain approximately 120 to 180 mg of sugar, which exceeds the daily sugar intake by about five times, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines. Because of high sugar intake, adolescents who consume excess energy drinks may develop both medical (obesity, diabetes) and dental health problems. [...]these drinks have been more harmful to teenagers than many over-the-counter drugs. Because the amount of caffeine in these drinks is not generally reported on the labels, teens are not aware of the potential risks associated with excess caffeine intake.