By Aimee Keenan-Greene

Energy drinks are consumed by 30 to 50 percent of adolescents and young adults, according to self-reported surveys.

Scientists writing in the Journal Pediatrics say those drinks frequently containing high and unregulated amounts of caffeine, and have been reported in association with serious adverse effects, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults with seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, or mood and behavioral disorders or those who take certain medications.

Researchers say of the 5448 caffeine overdoses reported in the United States in 2007, 46 percent occurred in those younger than 19 years. 

They concluded energy drinks have no therapeutic benefit, and many ingredients are understudied and not regulated. The known and unknown pharmacology of agents included in such drinks, combined with reports of toxicity, raises concern for potentially serious adverse effects in association with energy-drink use.

They suggest pediatricians need to be aware of the possible effects of energy drinks in vulnerable populations and screen for consumption to educate families. Long-term research should aim to understand the effects in at-risk populations. Toxicity surveillance should be improved, and regulations of energy-drink sales and consumption should be based on appropriate research.

Several countries and states have debated or restricted their sales and advertising.  

Last last year the U.S. Food and Drug Administration  wrapped up a year long review and concluded caffeine in alcoholic beverages is an unsafe food additive.

The FDA finished a scientific review of published peer-reviewed literature on the co-consumption of caffeine and alcohol, consulted with experts in the fields of toxicology, neuropharmacology, emergency medicine, and epidemiology, and reviewed information provided by product manufacturers. 

FDA also performed its own independent laboratory analysis.

Experts  raised concerns caffeine can mask some of the sensory cues individuals might normally rely on to determine their level of intoxication.  The FDA said peer-reviewed studies suggest that the consumption of beverages containing added caffeine and alcohol is associated with risky behaviors that may lead to hazardous and life-threatening situations.

Phusion Projects, the maker of Four Loko, announced its intention to remove caffeine and other stimulants from its drinks. 

The University Of Rhode Island is one of many colleges that banned alcoholic energy drinks after 9 students in Washington became severely ill from drinking too much Four Loko.