PRIME, the energy drink championed by Logan Paul, is under fire for its high caffeine content and its marketing that government officials say makes kids crave the product. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the drink. «One of the hottest status symbols of summer for kids isn’t a dress. It’s not a toy. It’s a drink. But buyer and parents beware as it’s a serious health concern for the kids it’s aimed at so feverishly,” Schumer told a Press conference Sunday.
PRIME contains 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12 ounces, about the same as two cans of Red Bull or six cans of Coke. The brand was launched by 30-year-old London influencer KSI whose real name is Olajide Olatunji and American YouTube star Logan Paul, 28, last year and it’s selling on shelves. It’s trendy among kids under 18, which is concerning, New York pediatrician Edith Bracho Sanchez said at the news conference. «We, as physicians, are very concerned. These strengths, and the amount of caffeine in these strengths, can cause headaches in children and adolescents. It can give them jitters, jitters. It can interfere with their sleep cycles.» , which is so important to the developing brain.»
In a statement a The hillPRIME representatives said: «[PRIME Energy] complied with all FDA guidelines before it went to market and clearly states on the packaging, as well as in marketing materials, that this is an energy drink and is not intended for anyone under the age of 18.» Here are seven things to know on PRIME according to health experts we spoke to.
Kids like PRIME for the different yummy flavors and think it’s cool, which could be a problem, according to Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MDtoxicologist and medical director at National Capital Poison Control Center. «Kids can drink PRIME products, including PRIME Energy, to gain social acceptance among their peers,» she says. «At my kids’ schools, PRIME is a status symbol, and the kids are even reselling empty PRIME bottles for $3 each.»
According to Dr. Johnson-Arbor, anyone has access to the controversial energy drink. «Despite the manufacturer’s warning that PRIME Energy Drinks are not intended for consumption by individuals under the age of 18, anyone can purchase these products at grocery stores, convenience stores and other commercial establishments.»
Health experts warn that caffeine affects children differently than adults, and that it’s unhealthy for children to consume a lot of caffeine if at all. «Children are still developing and are more susceptible to the effects of stimulants or depressants than adults,» Dana Ellis Hunnes Ph.D., MPH, RDsenior clinical dietitian at UCLA Medical Center, assistant professor at UCLA Fielding School of public health, and author of Recipe for survival He says. «It may be up to the child how it affects them, but because they’re not fully developed neurologically or physically, sometimes what’s an acceptable amount for an adult would be too much for children’s developing brains and bodies.»
ACE certified nutritionist and trainer Maria Sabat MS, RDN, LD adds, «Children tend to be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than adults. Their smaller builds and developing metabolisms make them more vulnerable to its stimulant effects.»
According to Sabat, «The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children under 12 should avoid caffeine altogether.» Dr. Johnson-Arbor adds, «The safe dose of caffeine for children is much more controversial because some studies have linked childhood caffeine consumption to an increase in headaches, trouble sleeping and blood pressure problems. For this reason, many authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, advise against the consumption of caffeine by children and adolescents.»
While PRIME is a big hit with kids, adults love the energy drink too. So how much caffeine is safe for adults? «In general, most adults can safely consume 200 mg of caffeine (the amount in a single can of PRIME Energy) per day without experiencing any ill effects,» says Dr. Johnson-Arbor. But everyone has a different tolerance, and Sabat says, «It’s worth noting that caffeine affects individuals differently based on their unique physiological responses and tolerances. Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine, while others may have a more Being aware of your body’s response to caffeine and making informed choices about your consumption is essential.»
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Taking note of how much caffeine you’re consuming is important, according to experts. Dr. Johnson-Arbor explains, «Caffeine is a stimulant drug. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can cause nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, muscle twitching, and anxiety.» He warns: «In the most severe cases, life-threatening seizures, electrolyte disturbances and heart rhythm abnormalities can occur.»
As mentioned above, one can of PRIME contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is the equivalent of more than two cups of coffee, six cans of Coke, or 2 cans of Red Bull. Experts are concerned for a reason. «Because just 12 ounces has 200 mg, that’s a lot!» Hunnes says. «Twelve ounces can be consumed in minutes, and that level of caffeine would be 2 to 3 times the ‘amount considered safe’ for most children of any age, and could therefore have effects on their nervous systems, gastrointestinal systems, and cardiovascular. Twelve ounces is only 1.5 cups, so that seems a bit excessive.»
Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor explains: «Because PRIME is advertised as vegan, sugar-free and full of electrolytes, some people may think that PRIME is a healthy drink. However, due to its caffeine content, serious side effects can occur after the consumption of PRIME Energy drinks. For questions about unwanted or unexpected side effects that occur after consuming PRIME Energy, contact Poison Control for expert advice. There are two ways to contact Poison Control in the United States: Online at www.poison.org or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.»
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