Special Report: Energy drinks and kids

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - HIGH-ENERGY DRINKS

High-energy drinks are everywhere - with promises to keep you focused, revved, and energized. But, how do they really work?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released a new study that found energy drinks can cause sleep problems and daytime sleepiness among U.S. soldiers in combat zones.

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating claims that a high-energy drink contributed to the deaths of five people in 2012.

Also, the state of New York is looking into whether the companies that make the drinks are misleading consumers about how much caffeine is in the drinks.

So, are they safe?

Britton McPherson is a construction superintendent. He turns to high energy drinks - specifically Red Bull - to get his day going.

"When I get up in the morning and go to work, it just kind of gives you that little kick when you're having a slow morning," McPherson said.

He's not alone.

Energy drinks are the go-to solution for lots of busy people. In fact, the drinks have become the fastest selling category in the beverage industry.

The reason? They can give you an extra boost of energy that comes mainly from caffeine.

Dr. Shannon Waters with Greater Mobile Urgent Care explained caffeine is a stimulant.

"So, what it does is it crosses the barrier into your brain and makes you be more alert, makes your heart beat faster, kind of focuses you," Dr. Waters said.

In a new study from Consumer Reports, testers found that the amount of caffeine differs widely among drinks with as much as 260-milligrams per serving. Compare that to a 12-ounce cola, which has about 50 milligrams of caffeine.

In moderation, doctors say caffeine is okay. But in excess, or if you have a medical condition or are taking medication, it could be a problem.

"It can increase your heart rate to the point where your heart doesn't relax enough, where if you have underlying disorders, then that underlying disorder in the blood vessels could mean the vessel won't deliver enough oxygen to the muscle," Dr. Waters said.

The other energy boost in some drinks is sugar. Once again, in moderation, experts say sugar is just fine. But too much can cause a change in your waistline.

Lauren Thompson is a Registered Dietician with Providence Hospital. She told us that weight gain can lead to being overweight or obesity.

"And that has a direct link to increasing the likelihood of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and many other health ailments," she added.

Experts say the key to these high energy drinks is moderation, and some research and knowledge about your own medical condition.

They do stress these kinds of drinks are never okay for children.

"Children should never ever have high energy drinks," said Dr. Waters.

Dr. Waters explained why caffeine can be dangerous for kids: they can lead to problems with concentration, behavior, and sleep.

Instead, moms and dads should focus on making sure their children get enough sleep, and try to fill them up with the right foods. Whole grains, for example, are a good source of energy.

"You really want to get those good whole grains. So, your whole grain bread, your fruit, your veggies. Those natural things that are going to be a good source of energy," Thompson said.

For Britton McPherson, however, as those 50 to 60 hour work weeks add up, the convenience of an energy drink is hard to pass up.

"I don't like coffee. And, so just to give me that little extra boost in the morning, I take Red Bull," he said.

As long as he keeps an eye on his health and keeps moderation in mind, experts said he's on the right track.

Experts said you really need to check the labels before you drink a high energy drink. But it may be difficult to find out the amount of caffeine in each one. The FDA does not require the makers of the drinks to list specific amounts.

HOW MUCH CAFFEINE?

Experts say the main energy-boosting ingredient is caffeine. Since energy drinks are regulated differently, though, the makers are not required to list the amount of caffeine included in each drink.

That could pose problems for people with underlying medical conditions or people on medications, as caffeine could have adverse affects for some people.

In a new study, Consumer Reports looked at just how much caffeine is in each drink.

Testers focused on the 27 top selling energy drinks and shots. They found caffeine levels per serving (keep in mind, there may be more than one serving per can/bottle of each drink) ranged from about 6 milligrams to 242 milligrams.

The study found 5-hour Energy Extra Strength had the most caffeine, while 5-hour Energy Decaf had the lowest caffeine levels.

The study also shows that 11 of the 27 drinks do not specify the amount of caffeine.

Under current FDA rules, companies are not required to disclose caffeine levels in their beverages.

They can also choose to market them as drinks or as dietary supplements. Those regulatory categories have different labeling and ingredient rules.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin is asking the FDA to consider caffeine limits for energy drinks.

Here's a look at some of the caffeine levels found in the Consumer Reports study:

• Red Bull - 83 mg of caffeine per serving
• Rock star Energy Shot - 229 mg of caffeine per serving
• Amp Energy - 71 mg of caffeine per serving
• Monster X-presso - 221 mg of caffeine per serving