THE myth about the benefits of coffee can be misleading. True that it can boost mental awareness and perk you up, there is always a downside to it.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, which means that it increases alertness, combats fatigue and may increase the energy levels. In moderate quantities, this can provide a pick me up to help you start your day, if you're an adult.

But between 30 and 50 percent of adolescents and young adults also consume large amounts of caffeine in the form of energy drinks. For children and adolescents, particularly those with seizure disorders, behavioral issues, diabetes or heart problems, energy drinks containing large amounts of both caffeine and sugar can exacerbate health problems.

In 2007, 46 percent of the 5,448 reported caffeine overdoses occurred in those under age 19 in the United States. Children should not consume energy drinks, even those packaged to appeal to them. Adolescents and their families should be aware of the possibility that caffeine could worsen disease symptoms or cause heart problems in young people with undiagnosed heart conditions.