Parents and doctors are being urged to monitor young people's consumption of energy drinks more closely, as these products can have a major impact on cardiac health.

An estimated one-third of young people aged between 12 and 19 regularly consume these drinks, so a team of international researchers decided to examine the pharmacology of these products, how they are marketed and adverse reactions related to them.

The researchers noted that the drinks often contain large amounts of labeled caffeine, however, they may also contain ‘masked' levels of caffeine. For example, some of these drinks contain guarana, which comes from a plant in Brazil. It is identical to caffeine found in coffee beans, but is twice as concentrated.

While caffeine is generally considered safe, adverse effects have been linked with the consumption of large amounts, therefore a young person consuming a high number of these beverages could easily overdose.

The researchers also warned that the inclusion of guarana and other substances such as taurine may result in unknown interactions.

When it comes to the heart health of young people, they noted that for those with underlying heart conditions, energy drinks can significantly increase the risk of triggering arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and may even trigger sudden cardiac deaths in young, apparently healthy people.

The researchers stated that one 250ml can of energy drink per day is safe for most healthy teenagers, however the consumption of these drinks before or during sports should be avoided.

And teenagers with underlying heart conditions should consult their cardiologist before consuming the drinks at all.

"As energy drink consumption continues to grow, physicians are advised to ask adolescent patients whether they consume energy drinks, to be aware of the symptoms of energy drink overconsumption, and to discuss the dangers of energy drinks alone and mixed with alcohol," commented lead researcher, Dr Fabian Sanchis-Gomar, of the Research Institute of Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain.

He said that it is important that doctors are aware of the lack of regulation when it comes to the caffeine content of these drinks, and potential complications, ‘so that parents and children can be educated about the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and the potential development of anxiety and phobias accompanying excessive energy drink consumption'.

The researchers added that parents and teachers should also be taught about the risks so that the children in their care are not inadvertently consuming too much caffeine.

Details of this research are published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.