Student Reporter: Kevin Walker

SPENCER, W.Va. (RCHS) -- Popular energy drinks are giving more than just a boost, especially to the younger children. Caffeine is the ingredient that gives the “up.”

Dr. Brent Watson of Roane General Hospital says caffeine is one of today’s most abused drugs.

Anna Neale Taylor, RN with Roane County Schools, emphasizes that after the “up” comes a very definite “down” and Dr. Watson adds that the caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Melissa Mace, also an RN with Roane County Schools, says about 90% of the elementary school students she has been working with say they drink the potent energy drinks. Ms. Taylor points out that the small bodies of younger children are even more strongly affected.

Most of the energy drinks don’t include the amount of caffeine on their labels, although Dr. Watson says that a move is underway to require that in the future.

Even still, what will the 141 grams of caffeine listed on the label mean to a 12-year-old?