# Energy drink health risks for youth in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/energy-drink-health-risks-for-youth-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-07-31T13:30:44.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In early July, Slovenia’s health institute issued a warning that consumption of energy drinks could be harmful to young people, highlighting a growing public‑health concern.

By the end of the month, research published in the Dentistry Journal and the Italian Journal of Pediatrics provided evidence linking regular intake of energy or sport drinks to increased dental enamel erosion among adolescents. A systematic review of ten studies involving 5,805 participants identified the high acid content of these beverages as a key factor. An Italian pediatric study of 430 youths found that 65 % had tried an energy drink, with nearly 40 % starting before age 12, despite recommendations to avoid them until age 18. The findings underscore the need for greater awareness among parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the oral‑health risks of early energy‑drink consumption.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Energy drinks linked to higher dental erosion among Italian adolescents

A systematic review links regular energy‑drink consumption to higher dental erosion, while an Italian pediatric study shows many teens start drinking them before age 12, raising oral‑health concerns.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-drinks-linked-to-higher-dental-erosion-among-italian-adolescents

### 2026-07-05: Slovenian health institute warns energy drinks harm youth

Slovenia’s NIJZ warns that caffeine‑rich energy drinks can dehydrate, strain the heart and affect sleep and concentration in youth, debunking myths about their safety.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovenian-health-institute-warns-energy-drinks-harm-youth

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Cite as: Energy drink health risks for youth in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/energy-drink-health-risks-for-youth-in-europe