August 29, 2023 – Prime energy drinks are all the fad amongst kids at home and at college, and fogeys need to know: Can my child drink these drinks?
Some parents report that their children’s school forbidden Prime Drinks were introduced after reports of kids becoming in poor health and a few unconfirmed reports of kids being hospitalized after consuming the drinks. The 12-ounce energy drink comprises 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is in regards to the same amount of caffeine as six 12-ounce cans of Coca-Cola (192 milligrams) or two 12-ounce cans of Red Bull (204 milligrams). The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against to stop all children and adolescents from consuming caffeine and other stimulants.
Prime drinks are sold in major retail chains, grocery stores, some gas stations and small grocery stores. They are available two flavors: an energy drink and a caffeine-free hydration drink.
The hype surrounding Prime Drinks went viral on TikTok following the product launch in 2022, with videos of kids and teenagers excited in regards to the products. Further promotion for the drinks got here this summer when Prime Drinks partnered with popular soccer team Futbol Club Barcelona.
Earlier this summer, the FDA said it would check The concerns were raised by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer after he warned of the drinks' potential health effects in a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf.
“One of the hottest status symbols for kids this summer isn’t an outfit or a toy – it’s a drink,” Schumer said. wrote in July. “But shoppers and parents should be on guard because it is a serious health risk for the children who are being so feverishly targeted.”
Founders, media personalities and skilled boxers Logan Paul and Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji (known professionally as KSI) say FDA involvement is a “false narrative” spread by the media.
“Prime is not under FDA investigation,” Paul said in an interview with Fox News this month. “The FDA has not even reached out to Prime … but the fact is we are a legitimate company. We have nothing to hide and we take quality and safety very seriously.”
The FDA later issued an announcement saying the organization would “respond directly to Schumer” after reviewing his concerns.
(WebMD reached out to PRIME founders for comment but didn’t receive a response by the point of publication.)
Prime Hydration and Prime Energy – What’s the difference?
Prime Hydration and Prime Energy are several types of drinks.
Prime Hydration comprises 250 milligrams of BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) – a vital nutrient known for muscle constructing and athletic performance. In addition to 200 milligrams of caffeine, Prime Energy comprises zinc, antioxidants and electrolytes, but no BCAAs.
Prime Hydration doesn’t contain enough BCAAs to pose a health risk to children, said David Berger, MD, a pediatrician in Tampa, FL. BCAAs are often protected for kids and youths when taken small cans and might actually help highschool athletes in sports that require a certain level of strength and muscle constructing.
The concern in regards to the Prime Hydration product is that it could possibly be a “gateway product” that leads some children to try Prime Energy, says Dr. Jennifer L. Temple, professor of exercise and nutrition sciences on the School of Public Health and Health Professions on the University at Buffalo.
Parents who’re unfamiliar with different ingredients within the two drinks could also be confused by the products and assume they’re more similar than they really are, says Temple, who focuses on the results of caffeine on children.
Keep in mind: It may also be difficult for doctors to discover Prime or one other caffeinated energy drink as the first perpetrator in a sudden, serious illness, she said.
“That was one of the challenges in litigating energy drink manufacturers, because the half-life of caffeine is so short that it is very difficult to establish a clear connection.”
Children with health problems corresponding to tachycardia, a type of rapid heartbeat, can turn out to be seriously in poor health after consuming large amounts of caffeine, Berger said.
If children devour caffeine usually but don’t have any health problems, they might experience mild negative effects corresponding to anxiety, nervousness and insomnia, he said.