Caffeine Concerns: Experts Warn of Risks for Young People

As of August 1st, 2025, experts are cautioning that young people may be more vulnerable to the risks of excessive caffeine consumption. According to Dr. van Dam, "Young people may have less tolerance to caffeine and there's a chance they could end up in the emergency room if they have too much."

Caffeine is a stimulant that can make people feel more alert and less sleepy by affecting the brain and nervous system. While it has been shown to help make exercise feel easier, as evidenced by research from Loughborough University's Lewis James, caffeine also acts on other parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system, which can be risky.

High levels of caffeine can cause a rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, and even seizures. Although rare, there have been documented deaths from excess caffeine consumption. Some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine than others and can experience nausea, anxiety, irritability, and headaches even at lower doses.

Experts generally consider up to 400mg of caffeine per day to be safe for most healthy adults, which is around four cups of instant coffee. However, children and teenagers are more susceptible to the risks and potential for an overdose, which is why energy drinks containing over 150mg of caffeine are required by EU law to carry warning labels.