Energy drinks: effects on pediatric 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. A randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Energy drinks (EDs) are popular beverages among minors. To date, clinical studies investigating ED-induced effects on the pediatric cardiovascular system are sparse. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single, bodyweight-adjusted ED dosage on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in healthy children and adolescents. METHODS: This study was a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial. Study participants received a single, bodyweight-adjusted ED amount or a placebo drink on 2 consecutive days at similar morning hours. Twenty-four-hour ABPM was assessed via an automated oscillometric blood pressure device after beverage consumption on both study days. RESULTS: A total of 17 healthy children and teenagers (13.90 (12.29–17.89) years) were included in the final analysis. The ED consumption led, compared to the placebo intake, to a significantly higher 24-h systolic (115.90 (110.22–118.04) vs. 110.64 (108.09–115.45) mmHg, p = 0.013) and diastolic blood pressure (66.08 (64.20–68.32) vs. 62.63 (61.40–66.46) mmHg, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The single, bodyweight-adjusted ED consumption is linked with a significantly higher systolic as well as diastolic 24-h blood pressure in healthy children and adolescents. Minors, particularly those with an increased cardiovascular morbidity, should be discouraged from drinking EDs. IMPACT: Energy drinks (EDs) are consumed by many children and teenagers. While adverse cardiovascular events after ED consumption were reported in the literature, the effects of these beverages on the pediatric 24-h blood pressure profile have not been systematically evaluated yet. In our manuscript, we demonstrate for the first time that acute ED consumption is associated with a significantly higher 24-h systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in healthy minors.