The United Kingdom Government presented a proposal to prevent the sale of energy drinks to under 16 on Tuesday. The measure aims to reduce the negative impacts of the consumption of this drink on the physical and mental health of the younger ones, namely in increasing childhood obesity and on concentration and sleep problems.
According to News to the Minute, the proposal establishes that the sale of energy drinks with more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter is illegal to children under 16. Supermarkets, shops and restaurants will have to identify to market these products, while low caffeine sodas will remain out of the restriction.
The plan is still in the public consultation phase for 12 weeks, involving health specialists, tax authorities and education professionals, before being permanently approved.
Risks for children and adolescents
The Secretary of Health and Social Assistance, Wes Streeting, underlines the importance of the measure, questioning how it is possible to expect good school performance from children who eat daily the equivalent of four cans of soda. According to the ruler, these beverages, especially when rich in sugar, impair not only learning and concentration, but also dental health and contribute to obesity.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and adolescents between 12 and 18 should not consume more than 100 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to a cup of coffee.
According to doctor Suzan Mazor, cited by Seattle Children’s, energy drinks are not regulated as food, being sold as nutritional supplements. Therefore, labels often do not accurately indicate the amount of caffeine present, increasing the risk of excessive consumption.
Among the immediate effects, according to Mazor, are tremors in the hands, stomach aches, headaches and nervousness. The doctor also warns of changes in heart rate, some potentially fatal, especially in people with heart disease or hypertension. Children and adolescents, he adds, should not consume this type of products.
Parent and professionals testimonies
The experience of parents and education professionals reinforces concern. Charlotte Harrison, a children’s protection consultant, points out that the effects of energy beverages can manifest in panic, anxiety, lack of concentration and learning difficulties.
A mother of a six-year-old reported to the UK government anxiety and inattention episodes in students who consumed multiple cans before breakfast. According to Harrison, these products have a negative impact on children’s health and behavior, and contribute to long -term health problems such as obesity.
For when in Portugal
In Portugal, there are still no similar measures under discussion. Experts heard by different media stress that, despite consumption of high caffeine beverages being growing among children and adolescents, there are no specific legal restrictions on the minimum sales age.
The adoption of a measure such as the British would imply changes in food legislation and trade rules, as well as an awareness campaign with families and schools. The theme promises to gain attention in the coming years, as the alerts on the health effects of young people grow.
Objective of the prohibition
The British government argues that the ban will help create healthier generations, with better school performance and less risks associated with excessive caffeine consumption.
As the measure, the measure aims to significantly reduce the number of young people who regularly consume energy, and it is estimated that about 100,000 children ingest at least one can a day, and that the measure could prevent 40,000 cases of childhood obesity.
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