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Video: Zara Rahemtulla,
KCA's young person's early intervention worker in east Kent, talks
about the concerns.

A Kent organisation which helps young people with drug and
alcohol problems is warning youngsters their health could be at
risk - and they might even die - if they consume too many energy
drinks or caffeine pills.

The warning comes after a KCA Young Person's Drug and Alcohol
worker became increasingly concerned by personal accounts of
problems and worries from the young people with whom she works.

Mixing energy drinks with other substances, such as alcohol, can
lead to people being admitted to hospital.

Zara Rahemtulla, KCA's Young Person's Early Intervention Worker
in East Kent said: "I noticed a sharp increase in discussion about
the problems associated with caffeine drinks and pills amongst some
of the young people I work with.

"Despite a careful search, I couldn’t find much information
about their effects, so we have developed a detailed briefing for
our staff and other professionals to provide accurate information
and clarify the risks involved."

There is also growing concern that high levels of consumption
among a minority of young people may be having an adverse effect on
their learning and behaviour at school.

Energy drinks and caffeine pills are widely used to reduce
drowsiness and as an aid to study and revision. The average 237ml
energy drink contains 80mg caffeine, the amount in energy tablets
can vary from 25mg to 200mg. This compares to 100mg in the average
cup of coffee.

Neil Hunt, KCA's director of research, said: "When used as
recommended, one energy drink or tablet is not hazardous for anyone
in good health.

"Caffeine doses of 200mg or higher can cause unpleasant symptoms
such as nausea or headaches. Other symptoms can include an abnormal
heart beat, anxiety, panic, overheating and dehydration. In rare
cases, consumption of large numbers of caffeine pills has been
fatal."