New warning to parents over danger of energy drinks around children

MELVILLE (WABC) -- Most parents would agree that small children should never get anywhere near energy drinks, but we all know that toddlers get their hands in everything.

In a recent study, pediatric researchers found that about 40 percent of the calls to poison control centers across the country over the last few years were from parents who say their child was having an adverse reaction after consuming one of these drinks.

Reactions in small children can include abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and digestive problems.

"I would not let him (my son) drink anything like that," says Melville resident Debbie Silver, "he's monitored closely."

Tom Gilroy, also of Melville says he has 9 grandkids all under the age of 7, and would be very worried about energy drinks, but he knows that his kids do not have them in the house.

Those who have conducted the study say it is unclear at this point if it is only the caffeine that is causing the reactions in kids since there are so many other ingredients in the drinks. Many of the ingredients have never been tested for safety in small children.