Over 40 percent of energy drink-related reports filed to U.S. poison control centers involved children younger than the age of 6, some who suffered severe cardiac and neurological symptoms.
The disproportionate representation of children is particularly concerning considering the serious side effects that have been seen in this age group, the American Heart Association reported.
"Energy drinks have no place in pediatric diets, and anyone with underlying cardiac, neurologic or other significant medical conditions should check with their healthcare provider to make sure it's safe to consume energy drinks," said Steven Lipshultz, the study's senior author and professor and chair of pediatrics at Wayne State University and pediatrician-in-chief at Children's Hospital of Michigan.
Data suggests out of 5,156 reported cases of energy drink exposure, 40 percent were unintentional exposures in young children. Across all age groups, cardiovascular effects were seen in 57 percent of cases and neurological symptoms in 55 percent.
Energy drinks can contain pharmaceutical-grade caffeine as well as caffeine from natural sources; those containing multiple caffeine sources tended to be linked to more side effects occurring in the nervous, digestive or cardiovascular systems.
Some energy drinks contain as much as 400 milligrams of caffeine per bottle, compared to the average 100 mg in cup of coffee. Caffeine poisoning can occur at levels higher than 400 mg per day in adults, but at levels as low as 100 mg in adolescents and at 2.5 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight in those under the age of 12.
Researchers are still unsure if compounds other than caffeine contribute to the dangerous side effects associated with the drinks because many of the added ingredients have never been tested before in children.
Researchers noted the data taken from poison control centers underestimates the problem because many people who become ill do not call the hotlines, and emergency room visits were not included in the study.
"The reported data probably represents the tip of the iceberg," Lipshultz said.
The findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014.
