OMM Newsroom
Kyrgyzstan could become the first country in the world to ban energy drinks. President Sadyr Japarov has instructed ministers to examine the possibility of banning their production and import, AnewZ reported, citing Kyrgyzstan’s state news agency Kabar.
According to Kabar, more than 36 million liters of energy drinks were consumed in the country in the first half of 2026. Japarov expressed concern that sustained consumption could lead to an increase in serious illnesses and higher state healthcare costs.
Ministers have one month to examine the proposed restrictions and six months to implement the regulations.
Studies have linked energy drinks, particularly among young people, to heart problems, including cardiac arrest. The World Health Organization has also warned about risks associated with the high caffeine content of these drinks.
Caffeine levels in energy drinks
A standard 250-milliliter can of Red Bull contains 80 milligrams of caffeine. Some energy drinks contain up to 300 milligrams per can. By comparison, a cup of coffee contains about 100 milligrams of caffeine.
Research suggests energy drinks can disrupt normal heart function. Other possible effects include high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, irritability and nausea.
Sugar in some energy drinks has also been linked to metabolic diseases and tooth decay after prolonged consumption.
A 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine said teenagers were drawn to drinks marketed as providing a quick energy boost and improving alertness and athletic performance.
Sales restrictions introduced in some countries
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan ban the sale of energy drinks to people under 18. Kazakhstan banned sales of the drinks to people under 21 in 2025.
The United Kingdom is also consulting on a proposed ban on selling high-caffeine energy drinks to children. Kuwait banned the sale of energy drinks in cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and other venues in March.
