Caffeinated energy drinks (energy drinks) are prepackaged drinks or dry mixes that contain added caffeine and other ingredients. These drinks are advertised as being able to boost your energy and make you feel more alert.
Energy drink consumption is increasing in children and teens. This is despite guidance against their consumption by this population, and warnings on the label. It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the risks and side effects and discuss them with children and teens.
Energy drinks contain caffeine, sugar or sugar substitutes, and flavourings. These drinks often include a combination of vitamins and minerals as well as herbs and other substances.
Health Canada limits the types and amounts of these ingredients through Supplemented foods regulations. Supplemented foods contain added ingredients for purposes other than nutrition. The amounts are within safe levels when used according to the directions on the label.
Energy drink labels must list the amount of supplemented ingredients, serving limits and warnings for vulnerable groups. Read the label to help you make an informed choice. If you consume energy drinks, use them with caution and follow the warnings.
Health Canada allows up to 180 mg of caffeine per serving in energy drinks, and labels must state “high caffeine content.” All sources of caffeine count towards the total amount, including natural sources such as yerba mate and guarana.
Most healthy adults can have up to 400 mg of caffeine per day. This is equal to about three cups of coffee. The maximum safe amount for children and youth is much lower and depends on their body weight (2.5 mg per kg body weight). The caffeine in one energy drink often exceeds this safe amount. For example, the limit for a teen who weighs 57 kg would be 140 mg.
The amount of sugar in some energy drinks can be as high or higher as the amount in other sugary drinks such as soft drinks.
The caffeine you consume adds up throughout the day. This includes caffeine from energy drinks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate and other caffeinated products. Always check the label for caffeine content. For more information, visit Health Canada: Caffeine in Foods.
The amount of vitamins and minerals in one energy drink is safe for most healthy adults.
However, the amount of vitamins and minerals may exceed what is safe for children and teens. Some vitamins, like vitamin A, are stored in the body and build up over time. Having high amounts of certain vitamins and minerals can harm health.
Energy drinks are a high source of caffeine. Too much caffeine can impact physical and mental health.
It can:
Caffeine adds up throughout the day from all sources such as energy drinks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, and other caffeinated foods and beverages. For more information, visit Health Canada: Caffeine in Foods. Always check the label for caffeine content.
To help boost energy without relying on caffeine, drink enough water, get adequate sleep, and have regular meals and snacks.
Caffeine and other ingredients in energy drinks can interact with many medications. Talk with a pharmacist or your health care provider before consuming energy drinks if you:
Caffeine acts as a stimulant and masks the fatigue and drowsiness effect of alcohol. This can cause people to drink larger amounts of alcohol than they intended.
Energy shots are different than energy drinks. The shots are a concentrated source of caffeine in a small container, no bigger than 90mL. Energy shots can have up to 200mg of caffeine per container. The same precautions for using energy drinks apply to energy shots.
Energy shots are classified as natural health products and are restricted to consumption by adults 18 years and older.
Yes. In Canada, sports drinks typically do not contain caffeine. It’s easy to confuse sports drinks with caffeinated energy drinks because the packaging is similar. Check the label to confirm.
Sports drinks are not needed for most children and teens who are physically active. Water is the best source of hydration. Speak with a registered dietitian if you have questions.
Health Canada: What parents and caregivers need to know about supplemented foods https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/supplemented-foods/what-parents-caregivers-need-know-about.html
Northern Health: Talking to teens about energy drinks https://stories.northernhealth.ca/stories/talking-teens-about-energy-drinks
Call toll-free in B.C., 8-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing to get personalized assistance. Speak to a navigator who can guide you to reliable health information or connect you with a health professional. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
