To the editor:

Hello. My name is Avery Meyer and I am a student at Lindbergh High School. In my anatomy class I have been studying the effects of energy drinks on people’s overall health.

After my research, I have concluded that while there are some positive effects that energy drinks can have, the majority of the effects that come from energy drinks are negative toward people’s health.

I would like to first start off and talk about the positive effects of energy drinks. There are not a lot of them, but definitely some to acknowledge. Energy drinks give the consumer caffeine through drinking, without having to drink coffee and tea. Energy drinks also help increase concentration and memorization.

Several studies have been done on the increase of concentration, and they can really help your mental performance.

However, there are many cons to energy drinks, some of which are self-explanatory. Issues like addiction, cardiac arrest and increased anxiety have been scientifically proven. A study by Karen Alsene states the adenosine receptor system, which mediates the psychoactive effects of caffeine, is also thought to be involved in the regulation of anxiety.

By drinking energy drinks, you are asking for unwanted health issues that may come up in the future.

Due to the popularity of energy drinks with teenagers, I think students should be more aware of the health conditions that can be caused because of the drinks.

I think it is important to educate about energy drinks and the effects so students can make their decision on what they want to do for their future.

Thank you for your time.

Avery Meyer
Concord