Energy drinks, no matter how satisfying and stimulating they may appear to be, are quite dangerous.

Many teenagers around the ages of 11-20 consume energy drinks regularly. They are under the impression that the drinks are harmless, but research shows they are quite the opposite. Researchers found that a majority of teens reporting traumatic brain injuries (TBI) had consumed five to six energy drinks within that week. A traumatic brain injury is a blow to the head resulting in the victim remaining unconscious for more than five minutes. Energy drinks have high caffeine levels, which changes the chemical levels in the body, making it harder for teens to recover from a TBI.

Athletes are more likely to drink energy drinks for the temporary benefits. Athletes are also inspired to drink them because they see famous athletes drink them and want to play the way they play.

Studies show that teens who reported having a TBI in the past year while playing sports were twice as likely to have consumed energy drinks. The threat of getting a TBI was five times greater in those who consumed energy drinks than those who didn’t.

Some teenagers mix together alcohol and energy drinks, which increases the damage done to the brain and increase a possible TBI occurrence. In a survey of 10,000 students, it was found that teens who had consumed at least one energy drink in the previous year were two times as likely to experience a TBI. However, even with the research, scientists have not completely found a direct link between energy drinks and TBIs. More research needs to be done to fully conclude and confirm the link. Researchers’ biggest piece of advice is for athletes to stay away from energy drinks and think about what they are really putting into their systems.