OSLO, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Norway's food safety watchdog has warned that a high intake of caffeinated energy drinks over a short period of time can lead to sleep problems, anxiety, unrest and heart palpitations, public broadcaster NRK reported here on Friday.
A recent survey commissioned by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) showed that energy drinks supplemented with caffeine are consumed by Norwegian children between 10 and 12 years of age.
The research found exclusively negative effects of energy drinks on children and adolescents aged between 8 years and 18 years.
"In recent years, we have seen an increase in such products, and turnover has gradually increased. From 2017 to 2018, there was an increase of 20 percent," said Merethe Steen from Mattilsynet.
Energy drinks contain at least 15 milligrams of caffeine per deciliter, while in some products this figure reaches 32 milligrams, the survey showed.
Intake of caffeine above 3 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day leads to risk of negative effects on the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system, while an intake of 1.4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day can cause sleep disturbances or sleep problems, the report said.
A child weighing 30 kg can thus only drink half of a 250 milliliter energy drink with the highest caffeine concentration per day if he is to avoid any of these negative effects.
The report also found a tendency for children and adolescents who consume energy drinks to have a higher intake of caffeine from other sources, such as chocolate, tea, coffee and chocolate milk.
The Norwegian Food Safety Authority will send its recommendations to the Ministry of Health and Care Services by Feb. 15, NRK said.
