Researchers at the Telethon Kids Institute will study the health impacts of energy drinks on young people and develop policy guidelines for reducing the amount they consume.
The study, which is an Australian first, has been made possible thanks to almost $240,000 in funding from the Telethon Perth Children's Hospital Research Fund.
Chief Investigator Dr Gina Trapp said energy drinks were incredibly popular among young people and the fastest growing segment of the beverage market. Annual sales in Australia increased more than 600 per cent between 2001 and 2012.
"Whilst energy drinks are marketed to improve the body's performance, they pose a distinct health risk, above that of soft drinks," Dr Trapp said.
"Energy drinks provide a potent source of caffeine and can contain high levels of sugar, sodium, herbal extracts and amino acids."
"They are linked to serious adverse health effects including increased blood pressure, cardiac abnormalities, insomnia, liver damage, kidney failure, seizures, anxiety, psychosis, hallucinations and sudden death."
"This has led some countries to limit sales to adults. Similar restrictions have been called for in Australia."
But despite the growing energy drinks market and possible negative health outcomes, Dr Trapp said there has been little research into their use and health impact.
"Most research so far focuses on adults, with many studies lacking strong methodology and rigor" Dr Trapp said.
"Our innovative study is one of the first in Australia to comprehensively investigate energy drink consumption in young people aged 12 to 17 years."
"The study will determine how many young people consume energy drinks, why they drink them, what they think of them and whether they have experienced any negative health effects after consuming them. This will help us identify harmful consumption patterns and at risk groups."
Dr Trapp said there was a clear need for a review and tighter regulation of energy drinks.
"The important information gathered in this study will be developed into a set of policy and practice guidelines for policy makers, health professionals and educators.
"Together, we can help reduce energy drink consumption amongst young people, reducing the health risks associated with them."
The research will be conducted in collaboration with the University of Western Australia, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Notre Dame and WA Department of Health.
Kids aged 12-17 years interested in taking part in the study can email: energy@telethonkids.org.au
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About Telethon Kids Institute:
The Telethon Kids Institute is one of the largest, and most successful medical research institutes in Australia, comprising a dedicated and diverse team of more than 500 staff and students.
We've created a bold blueprint that brings together community, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, who share our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children through excellence in research.
The Institute is headed by leading paediatrician and infectious diseases expert Professor Jonathan Carapetis, with Founding Director Professor Fiona Stanley now Patron.
Telethon Kids is independent and not-for-profit. The majority of funding comes from our success in winning national and international competitive research grants. We also receive significant philanthropic support from corporate Australia and the community.