NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — U.S. poison centers saw a 20% increase in calls related to kids consuming energy drinks — a change that is even more shocking since the number has remained steady in recent times.

In 2022, there were 2,323 calls, while in 2023, there were 2,834 calls to America’s Poison Centers.

Energy drinks, like Red Bull and Monster, have a higher caffeine content than pop or coffee, which is dangerous for kids.

The Food Drug Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that kids and teenagers should avoid pumped-up drinks to prevent caffeine-related complications like caffeine poisoning or, in severe cases, cardiac arrest.

However, the drinks, which are often brightly colored, are consumed by increasing numbers of children. Unfortunately, many kids are being brought to the hospital because of heart palpitations, which raises the question of whether energy drinks should be banned.

Signs of a caffeine overdose include increased heart rate, heart palpitations, heightened blood pressure, anxiousness, and rapid breathing. 400 mg of caffeine, or two to three cups of coffee, is safe for adults, but Monster Energy is 160 mg, and a Bang is 300 mg.

The 10 worst energy drinks, according to the Food and Drug Administration, are:

• Rockstar
• Monster
• Red Bull
• Bang
• NOS
• Full Throttle
• 5-Hour Energy
• AMP
• Reign
• C4

Thankfully, there are alternatives to energy drinks, and those include:

• Water (and Coconut Water)
• Tea: Green, Black, Matcha, Ginger, Peppermint
• Coffee
• Fresh fruit juice
• Smoothies
• Yerba Mate
• Protein Shake
• Kombucha
• Chia Seed Drink
• Almond Milk

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