Energy drinks are becoming more and more popular with teens and young adults. "From a consumer's standpoint, people ages 14 to 24 purchase one third of all energy drinks," said Kirsten Taylor, Director of Health Initiatives for Parkview Medical Center

Many of these beverages are packed with large amounts of calories, sugars, and of course caffeine. And while Taylor says caffeine isn't a bad thing in moderation; over doing it is easy for some teens. "That behavior is often kind of a red flag that the teenager may be engaging in other high risk behaviors," says Taylor.

Many adults drink coffee for the boost they get from the caffeine. But the high temperature of that cup of joe slows down the intake, and after two or three cups, most know to stop. Teenagers guzzling cold energy drinks don't find the same restrictions.

While a normal cup of coffee is about eight to 12 ounces, most energy drinks are 16. Like all food and beverage products, energy drink manufacturers are required to put ingredient information on the product. At first glance, the numbers appear relatively small, but they are likely tied to serving size. Many products list the contents as a serving of two, which effectively should double all the nutritional data posted on the can.

When the numbers are looked at in this light Taylor says they present a serious health risk. "That child will have problems, whether it's with their energy, their attention span, their weight which is certainly now a big concern," says Taylor.

Taylor also says teens who rely on energy drinks to get through school or sports practice are masking other health problems. "If a child or a teenager is having a hard time getting through their day without some type of supplement, then there is something else going on," said Taylor. Often the lack of energy is related to sleep problems and possibly diet issues, both of which are exacerbated by the energy drink itself.

Taylor says it's important for parents to know what their children are putting into their bodies. KKTV talked to several store clerks who say they've seen 10 year old children buying energy drinks.

Taylor recommends parents try to cut energy drinks and soda from their child's diet, but realizes this may not be likely. That being said, she concedes extremely limited use will go a long way to a healthier child.

Meanwhile, Taylor says the health community is seeing more and more college age adults mixing alcohol with energy drinks. The effect allows them to maintain the buzzed feeling alcohol provides, while removing the drowsy side effect the depressant has, and giving them the sensation of being wide awake. This wide awake feeling does nothing for their reaction time, and Taylor says, they are just as intoxicated and warns against trying to drive under these conditions.