A group of 225,000 doctors proposed a ban on marketing energy drinks to youths.
The American Medical Association endorsed a policy that would limit the sale of energy drinks to children under 18, reported Bloomberg Businessweek.
The group said the high caffeine drinks could cause heart problems, and were responsible for a number of emergency room visits in youths.
"Energy drinks contain massive and excessive amounts of caffeine that may lead to a host of health problems in young people, including heart problems," Alexander Ding, a physician and AMA board member said in a statement. "Banning companies from marketing these products to adolescents is a common sense action that we can take to protect the health of American kids."
The group was concerned about energy drinks being marketed to youths, despite the health repercussions, they proposed banning youth marketing "until such time as the scientific evidence regarding the possible adverse medical effect that stimulant drinks may have on children and adolescents is determined."
Beverage associations are not happy about this new proposal, claiming the drinks have clear warning labels on them.
"We are disappointed that the American Medical Association passed this resolution," said Maureen Beach, a spokeswoman for the American Beverage Association. "Leading energy drink companies also voluntarily display total caffeine amounts -- from all sources -- on their packages, as well as an advisory statement indicating that the product is not intended (or recommended) for children."
The U.S food and drug administration has looked into whether the drinks can cause harm when consumed in excess by people with heart conditions.
In order for a marketing ban from the AMA to go through Congress, state governments or a regulatory agency would need to enact it.
Monster produces the most energy drinks in the U.S., closely followed by Red Bull, Pepsi, and Coca-Cola.
