COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A Cobb County pediatrician told Channel 2 Action News that energy drinks pose health risks and should not be sold to teenagers.
"These are dangerous and should not be allowed on the market," said Dr. Avril Beckford of Wellstar in Smyrna.
Beckford talked with Channel 2's Tom Regan about the findings of a new study released by the medical journal Pediatrics.
The study reported energy drinks, which contain large quantities of caffeine, sugar and herbal supplements, have been linked to seizures, stroke, heart palpitations and sudden death.
"It's particularly dangerous to patients with underlying medical conditions, especially seizure disorders and diabetes," Beckford said.
Beckford said energy drinks are not regulated by the FDA because they are often sold as a herbal supplements.
Despite the potential health risk, the market for energy drinks is growing. Sales are expected to top $9 billion in 2011.