Energy drinks; a public health hazard for adolescents.

Madam, Caffeine is widely consumed as part of many drinks all over the world. The Food and Drug Administration of USA started to doubt the safety of caffeinated drinks first in 2010. Four Loko which was the first energy drink that combined caffeine with alcohol and received opposition.1 In 2013 Health Canada limited quantity content of caffeine to 180mg per regular serving bottle. As compared to other drinks like tea, coffee and soft drinks, caffeine content contained by "energy drinks" exceeds this limit which is associated with more adverse effects.2,3 The common one of these being electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalaemia leading to arrhythmias and endothelial cell dysfunction which impairs coronary blood flow during exercise hence leading to ischaemia and cardiac arrest.2 Energy drinks have also been shown to alter neural functions mediated by acetylcholine. Neurological effects include increased attention, agility and anxiety on acute use but withdrawal after chronic use causes inattention, irritability and depression.3 Coadministration of ingredients like Taurine and Ginseng which are found in energy drinks can cause stomach upset and bowel irritability.