Doctors warn about the risks energy drinks pose to kids. What families need to know

Doctors nationwide have warned for years that energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine that can seriously harm children. Effects can include abnormal heartbeats, increased heart rate, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure and seizures. A newly formed coalition of doctors is highlighting these risks in the wake of a sponsorship deal between Monster Energy and the Big 12 Conference. The group has asked conference leaders to pause the sponsorship and the NCAA to review energy drink marketing to youths in general, citing three deaths. Doctors say they’re not just concerned about Monster but all energy drinks and any similar partnerships.