LAGOS, Nigeria (FN) — Health experts, parents, and government officials are warning against the growing consumption of energy drinks among children, saying the products are “nutritionally empty” and could cause long-term health problems.
Dr. Owoyemi, a public health nutritionist, said the drinks give a false sense of vitality while depriving the body of essential nutrients.
“These drinks give a false sense of energy but starve the body of what it truly needs,” Owoyemi said. “Regular consumption stresses the developing body, contributes to weight gain, and denies children the nutrients required for proper growth.”
He urged parents to discourage their children from drinking caffeinated or sugar-loaded beverages, emphasizing that “children need food that nourishes their growing bodies and brains.”
“Energy drinks offer none of that,” he said. “They contain only sugar, caffeine, and short-term stimulation. The long-term cost to their nutrition and health can be enormous.”
Several parents who spoke with reporters shared similar concerns. “My 12-year-old son started having trouble sleeping after taking these drinks during football practice,” said Ngozi Udeh, a mother of two in Lagos. “We didn’t realize how much caffeine they contained until a doctor warned us.”
Another parent, Mr. Sani Musa, described the marketing of energy drinks to children as “irresponsible,” calling for tighter government regulation. “These drinks are being sold beside soft drinks in schools and malls. Kids think they’re safe,” he said.
Health officials with Nigeria’s Ministry of Health said the government is monitoring the situation and considering stricter advertising and labeling guidelines.
“We’re aware of the growing concern about energy drink consumption among minors,” ministry spokesperson Adeola Akinyemi said. “We are reviewing policies to ensure that manufacturers provide clear warnings and that these products are not marketed to children.”
Consumer rights advocates have also called for schools to ban the sale of energy drinks, urging parents and teachers to educate children about the risks.
“Children are not small adults — their systems are still developing,” said health campaigner Bisi Adeyemi. “Allowing them to consume high doses of caffeine and sugar is a ticking health time bomb.”
