The sale of all energy drinks to young people and children in the U.K. should be banned, says a review of the latest evidence on their effects on health.
It highlighted links to more risks than previously found, such as anxiety, stress and suicidal thoughts. These drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and sugar and are sold as providing an energy boost.
On the back of the review, 40 health-related organizations have written a letter to Health Secretary Victoria Atkins to repeat the call for sales of energy drinks to be further restricted.
Energy drinks are marketed as giving a physical and mental boost, and providing more energy than standard soft drinks. It is a huge and growing market, and up to a third of U.K. children drink them every week.