clock: Experts warn parents about caffeinated energy drinks popular with teens
The recent craze for caffeinated beverages has made many young consumers craving the drink, prompting new caution for parents.
Prime is a beverage brand that offers a variety of sports drinks, mixes and energy drinks and is backed by two huge internet personalities. Produced by Louisville-based Congo Brands Inc., the co-faces of the drink are YouTuber, rapper and boxer Orazid Olinka Williams “JJ” Olatunzi, known professionally as KSI, and WWE wrestler and social media personality. It’s Logan Paul.
First launched in the UK in 2022, the drink has grown from a mere variety drink to a status symbol thanks to heavily touted marketing on TikTok.
With flavors like Tropical Punch and Strawberry Watermelon, Paul touts Prime as “the fastest growing sports drink of all time” in his TikTok videos.
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Other videos show KSI staring at a group of children rapidly approaching the brand’s prime drink bus.
This drink comes in a form of energy and hydration and is a hit with kids. The bottled hydration version is caffeine-free and made with coconut water and electrolytes. The energy version of this canned product contains caffeine, which has raised concerns among some experts focused on younger consumers.
A 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 34 milligrams of caffeine, and an 8.4-ounce can of Red Bull contains 80 milligrams of caffeine. In contrast, his 12-ounce can of Prime Energy contains 200 milligrams of caffeine.
ABC News medical contributor Dr. Alok Patel said 200 milligrams is “a huge amount of caffeine.”
“That’s too much for a growing child,” Patel told GMA. “This amount of caffeine can cause adverse effects such as sleep disturbances, mood disturbances, upset stomachs and even abnormal heart rhythms.”
The warning label on Prime Energy Drink products states that it is not recommended for children under the age of 18.
Patel provided additional medical insight and advice for parents whose children may be consuming or demanding that they consume high-caffeine beverages.
“The first thing parents should do is get their kids enough sleep so they don’t get tired during the day, and then run to get stimulants,” he said.
“If your kids are bored with water, which is their preferred source of hydration, you can try other flavored waters with fruit,” Patel adds, adding that other options such as coconut water are also worth considering. pointed out that
