Energy drinks have never been more popular than they are today. These drinks are designed to boost energy and are one of the fastest-growing beverages in the world.

The number of flavors being offered today is also at an all-time high. Any time you walk into a Casey's or a Kwik Star you'll see multiple sections in the beverage area filled with bright and shiny cans that are impossible to miss. Energy drink companies do a really good job of creating these cans to stand out not only to adults but also to kids.

The issue with kids and energy drinks isn't necessarily that they have the occasional drink, it's when they are made readily available to them. America's Poison Center has seen a significant increase in calls for help this past year.

Poison Control Center

According to KCRG, America's Poison Centers have received calls for help by an increase of 20%. One of the biggest causes is when energy drinks are readily available for kids.

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Thankfully, Iowa's numbers have remained pretty consistent for the last 5 years compared to the rest of the country but there are some things parents should look out for. Grant Houselog is the Assistant Director for Iowa Poison Control and he spoke to KCRG about the concerns on the increase of these calls nationally. It's not only the caffeine that can cause issues either.

"People are buying more of them, they’re more readily available around the home, and things like that. There’s a bunch of different natural products that are found naturally in different plants that are sometimes added to these."

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Grant also added symptoms that parents should be aware of. Most of the time, if your child has an energy drink, they'll be perfectly fine. But if you do notice these symptoms after they've had an energy drink, you should monitor your child.

• throwing up
• restlessness
• missing a nap
• trouble falling asleep at night

You don't need to call the Iowa Poison Control Center every time your kid has an energy drink but Grant does want parents to know what to do if you do find yourself in a scary situation.

1-800-222-1222 is the toll-free Poison Help line.