I’m a dietitian – here’s why you should NEVER give your kids Prime energy drinks after child suffers ‘cardiac episode’

PARENTS should never give their kids Prime energy drinks, a leading dietician has warned.

Youngsters have gone wild for the brightly-coloured beverages since their release, but it seems they are anything but suitable for children.

Small cans of the latest variety - which come in five fruity flavours - contain a whopping 200mg of caffeine.

This is far higher than the 80mg in a can of Red Bull, 90mg in a mug of coffee, and 160mg in a Monster.

While Prime energy comes with a warning that it is "not recommended" for those under 18 or pregnant, experts fear this isn't enough.

This week, a primary school pupil had to have their stomach pumped following a "cardiac episode" after drinking 355ml of the fizzy sweet stuff.

Award-winning Dr Duane Mellor, from Aston Medical School, Birmingham, has urged mums and dads to be extra vigilant.

He said: "Children should not consume energy drinks because some may be sensitive to the caffeine, which can lead to a rapid heart rate and disturbed sleep.

"The effects of caffeine tend to be short term.

"However, although some people feel unwell when they stop consuming caffeine, with symptoms like fatigue, the long-term impact of consuming lots of caffeine may be seen as anxiety and disturbed sleep.

"This can affect development and learning in children and in adults.

"A lack of sleep can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes."

Dr Mellor called for tighter buying rules and clearer warnings on packaging.

"High caffeine drinks are regulated by law in the UK and Europe and defined as being over 150mg per litre," the registered dietician said.

"Prime Energy contains far more than this.

"As well as defining an energy drink with respect to its caffeine content, it also legally must state that it has a high caffeine content and is not recommended for children pregnant or breastfeeding women.

"Perhaps these warnings should be much clearer, especially since the ban on sales of energy drinks to under 16 year olds pledged by the current UK government in 2019 has unfortunately not happened."

Prime was launched by YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul in 2022.

It started as bottles of a coconut water-based "hydration" beverage, but has now expanded to include five flavours of energy drink.

These are strawberry watermelon, blue raspberry, tropical punch, orange mango, and lemon lime.

Cans have been almost impossible to get hold of, with supermarkets selling out in record-time.

Last year, ministers vowed to ban the sale of energy drinks to anyone under 16, but there are currently no legal age restrictions.