High-powered energy drinks containing almost double the recommended daily caffeine limit are being spotted on Australian shelves, amid concern teenagers are using the beverages to get through exams.
Energy drinks containing almost twice the maximum regulated level of caffeine have been found in shops across the country and pulled from sale.
The most caffeinated energy drink officials found was a G Fuel Tetris Blast, which contained a whopping 300 milligrams of caffeine in each 473ml can.
This is nearly double the amount of caffeine allowed under national food standards - 320 milligrams of caffeine per litre - and is the equivalent of nine cans of Coca-Cola or three shots of coffee.
Accredited dietician Dr Evangeline Mantzioris said the drinks were problematic and led to a range of health issues for children and teenagers.
"The issue is the level of caffeine in it," she said.
"Children are unable to break down caffeine as effectively as adults are, and combined with their lower body weight this makes the impact of caffeine on them more dire than adults."
The excessive consumption of caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety and depression as well as cardiovascular problems, heartburn, ulcers, seizures and in rare cases even death.
Other energy drinks found that exceeded regulations included C4 Performance Energy and Ghost Energy Drink, both containing 200mg of caffeine per 473ml can.
Although there is no uniformly-recognised safe level of caffeine consumption, teenagers are urged to limit their intake to reduce the health risks.
Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine has the potential to cause harm to teenagers, with the recommended maximum daily intake for teenagers being three milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Dr Mantzioris said the products were classified as "ultra processed foods", which meant they couldn't easily be made in a traditional kitchen.
"There's research indicating that (consuming ultra-processed foods) leads to physical health problems and also mental health problems," she said.
"They aren't healthy."
"We need to reduce the intake of these ultra-processed foods in our diet and eat unprocessed, healthy foods.
People purchasing these drinks are encouraged to closely check the label to know how much caffeine they will be consuming.
