If energy drinks are your caffeine source of choice, it’s crucial you hear this message about the dangers they pose to children.

According to a recent study, young kids who consume energy drinks can suffer some serious health woes, such as cardiovascular and neurological problems.

A research team led by a Wayne State University doctor reviewed data from 55 U.S. poison control centers, focusing on calls regarding exposure to energy substances, such as energy drinks. They found more than fifty-one-hundred calls about energy drinks over a three-year period ending in 2013.

“Unintentional” exposures involving kids under age 5 accounted for 40 percent of the calls. Researchers say these kids likely consumed someone else’s energy drink that was left in an accessible place.

Even the tamest energy drinks contain at least double the caffeine found in 12 ounces of Coca-Cola. These levels can cause problems for adults, so just think of the havoc they could wreak for small children.

The poison control center stats showed that people of all ages have experienced negative effects related to energy drinks, such as seizures, abnormal heart rhythms and problems with electrical signal conduction in the heart.

Other common results of excessive caffeine intake include dehydration, headaches, insomnia and jitteriness.

With all these possible consequences for kids who consume caffeine, it’s easy to see why keeping energy beverages away from kids is so important. So be sure you keep those cans of the super-caffeinated stuff out of their reach.

And it may be worth considering whether mom, dad and older siblings should find a less potent way to wake up for the day. It certainly wouldn’t do anyone any harm to start the day fueled by a little less caffeine.