Grey Bruce Health officials are sharing the same concerns as the Canadian Medical Association about young people consuming more and more of those so called energy drinks.
The CMA says the caffeine loaded energy drinks have now crossed the line from beverages to drugs,delivered as tasty syrups.
The Association wants better labelling showing more clearly how much caffeine is in the drinks comparing it cups of coffee.
Grey Bruce Health Unit Dietitian Catharine Forsyth shares the concerns of the CMA and the negative health impact it can have on youngsters.
She says the caffeine contained in one can of these energy drinks many times exceeds the total recommended amount for kids in just one day.
Health Canada says for children between the ages of 4 to 6, the maximum amount of caffeine they should have every day is 45 milligrams.
These energy drinks typically contain 80 to 140 milligrams of caffeine per 250 millilitre can.
Forsyth says caffeine is a stimulant and also a diuretic and youngsters can become dehydrated and have problems sleeping.
In addition there is the additional impact of electrolyte disturbance which will mess up your sodium and potassium levels and even more concerning is the fact these drinks can cause heart irregularities.
She says any one with any form of heart condition should avoid consuming these drinks.
Forsyth says if the caffeine is not bad enough, these drinks contain huge amounts of sugar which contributes to the obesity problem among young people.
