effects of energy drinks on the body

How Do Energy Drinks Affect the Body?

• Interactions in Children and Teens. The concentrated amounts of caffeine and other ingredients found in energy drinks can lead to adverse effects in some cases.
• Diuretic Effects. The jolt of energy from your energy drink likely comes from caffeine and caffeine-containing ingredients such as guarana.
• Excess Calories. ...
• Other Health Effects. ...

Full Answer

What do energy drinks really do to your body?

What are the Primary Ingredients of Energy Drinks?

• Caffeine. Caffeine is a natural stimulant commonly found in plants. ...
• Sugar. Keep your sugar consumption to a minimum. ...
• Taurine. Taurine is an essential amino acid that is found in the body. ...
• B-Vitamins. B-vitamins play an important role in your organs and bodily systems. ...
• Ginseng Extract. ...

How can energy drinks harm your body?

Monster Drink Side Effects

• Energy Drinks and Heart Health. One of the most concerning Monster drinks side effects is how it can affect the heart. ...
• Anxiety and Insomnia Side Effects. ...
• Mixing Energy Drinks With Alcohol. ...
• Bottom Line on Energy Drinks. ...

How exactly do energy drinks affect your body?

• 1. The high level of caffeine in the energy drinks can cause increased BP, palpitations in the heart, diarrhoea, headache. ...
• 3. It could get you addicted and cause symptoms like anxiety, severe mood swings, insomnia and more.
• 4. Each can of energy drink contains around 10 teaspoons of sugar! ...
• 5. The effects are even worse when you mix it with alcohol. ...
• 6. ...

How does your body react to drinking energy drinks?

These caffeinated energy drinks can increase blood pressure and heart rate causing kidney damage. The increased urination which imbalances the fluid your kidneys, and body, need to function optimally. They can contain elements like Taurine, Potassium, and Phosphorus which in high levels can cause kidney damage.

What happens if I drink energy drinks everyday?

Excessive or regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to heart arrhythmias, headaches, high blood pressure, and anxiety, Popeck says. In the US, more than 20,000 emergency room visits in 2011 were associated with energy drink use.

What are the health effects of energy drinks on the body?

Large amounts of caffeine may cause serious heart and blood vessel problems such as heart rhythm disturbances and increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine also may harm children's still-developing cardiovascular and nervous systems.

What are the negative effects of drinking energy drinks?

You may experience the negative effects of energy drinks after your first sip.You may notice your heart rate increase and stress levels rise. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can cause anxiety, restlessness, and trouble sleeping.Energy drinks also may cause stomach irritation and muscle twitches.

What are 3 physical effects that energy drinks cause after consuming them?

A nutritional comparison shows that a 12-ounce cola drink contains about 39 grams of sugar, 41 grams of sugar in an energy drink. Research has found that consuming high-sugar drinks of any kind can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and gout.

Is one energy drink a day OK?

As for most adults, up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day appears to be safe, according to the Mayo Clinic. “Healthy adults who choose to drink energy drinks should not exceed one can per day,” the Mayo Clinic's Zeratsky said.

Who should avoid energy drinks?

Pregnant and nursing women, children and teenagers should avoid energy drinks altogether. Summary: Occasionally drinking one energy drink is unlikely to cause problems. To reduce potential harm, limit your consumption to 16 ounces (473 ml) daily and avoid all other caffeinated beverages.

Do energy drinks damage kidneys?

Energy drinks may lead to risk-seeking behaviour, mental health problems, fatigue, increased blood pressure, dental issues, obesity and even kidney damage, say the researchers. Most of the health risks are due to high sugar and caffeine levels in these supplements.

How many people have died from energy drinks?

According to the Food and Drug Administration, there have been 34 deaths attributed to energy drinks warranting investigation into the safety of these beverages. Energy drink consumption has been associated with cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, spontaneous coronary dissection, and coronary vasospasm.

What are the pros and cons of energy drinks?

A few pros of consuming energy drinks are mood and attitude improvement, a better workout performance, a zero calories option, and the obvious energy boost. A few cons are they can become addictive, may cause health issues, weight gain, and sugar highs. Energy drinks can actually improve your cognitive functions.

What happens when you drink energy drinks?

When it comes to answering what happens to your body when you drink energy drinks, a study found that it propagated the release of the stress hormones in the body.

How does energy drink affect the brain?

Boosts your brain function. The first and possibly the most important effects of energy drink on the body is that it promotes your brain function. Apart from getting some fuel to get through the day, there are people who do consume the energy drinks to further improve their mental alertness and brain function.

Why do energy drinks cause jitters?

Jitters. The consumption of energy drinks have been associated with jitters, nervousness and anxiety, even a study ( R) has found that. Even though there are not much evidence as to what could be causing or propagating the same, it is believed that the stimulants in the drinks could be a contributing factor.

How long does it take for energy drinks to get into your system?

It has been found that once you drink the energy drink, it takes around 10-15 minutes for the caffeine to enter the bloodstream. Once it is in the stream, the next thing that happens is the impacts on ...

What is QTC in energy drinks?

QTc is the marker which helps point out the risks of the arrhythmic heart beats. A very recent study ( R) conducted in 2019 also found that the consumption of 32 fluid ounces of energy drinks in 60 minutes can result in changed heart rhythm and even contribute to the risks of hypertension in the said individuals. 3.

How long does it take for caffeine to go down?

The overall caffeine levels in the body do go down gradually over the hours, especially taking somewhere between 6-12 hours to be completely wiped out of your system. 4. Signs of headaches.

What are some alternatives to energy drinks?

Ginger tea. Coffee. Freshly pressed juice. If you have been relying on the energy drinks without knowing the effects of energy drinks on the body, it is time that you find better alternatives before it does worse to your body.

How much caffeine is in a 16 oz energy drink?

Caffeine is a major ingredient in both types of energy drink products—at levels of 70 to 240 mg in a 16-oz. drink and 113 to 200 mg in an energy shot.

How many ounces of energy shots are in a bottle?

bottle. The other kind, called “energy shots,” is sold in small containers holding 2 to 2½ oz. of concentrated liquid.

Does caffeine affect children?

Caffeine also may harm children’s still-developing cardiovascular and nervous systems. Caffeine use may also be associated with anxiety, sleep problems, digestive problems, and dehydration. Guarana, commonly included in energy drinks, contains caffeine.

Do energy drinks affect your body?

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that energy drinks can have serious health effects, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults. In several studies, energy drinks have been found to improve physical endurance, but there’s less evidence of any effect on muscle strength or power. Energy drinks may enhance alertness and improve ...

What happens if you drink energy drinks?

The effects can include headache, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. 3. Sugar crashes. If your energy drink contains added sugar, it can cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar, then a rapid decline, a.k.a. a “sugar crash.”. That can leave you feeling lethargic and hungry for more sugar.

What is energy drink?

Energy drinks are beverages that contain a significant amount of caffeine, as well as other ingredients like taurine and B vitamins. Many varieties contain sugar. They come in a variety of forms, ranging from 16-ounce tallboy cans to small “energy shots.”.

How much caffeine is in energy drinks?

The amount of caffeine in energy drinks can vary widely, from 60mg to over 250mg. That’s compared to the average cup of coffee at 100mg. Some energy drinks also contain a significant amount of added sugar.

What are the vitamins in energy drinks?

Some energy drinks contain B vitamins, which are necessary for the body to convert food to energy. That’s a point in the “healthy” column, but keep in mind that you can get B vitamins from whole foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, eggs, and milk.

What are the negative effects of caffeine?

According to the FDA, 400 mg of caffeine, or about four or five cups of coffee, is “not generally associated with dangerous, negative effects” for healthy adults. Consuming too much caffeine can lead to nervousness, heart palpitations, insomnia, and stomach issues like heartburn and diarrhea. 2.

Do energy drinks help focus?

Some research on the effects of energy drinks on the body indicates that they could have some benefits. “Studies show that energy drinks can support focus (e.g., memory and concentration) and work productivity,” says Khubchandani. “Physical endurance is increased as well.”. 1. Energy drinks might help you focus.

Is soda sales declining?

Soda sales are finally declining (thankfully), but the energy-drink market is doing better than ever. By 2026, energy drinks are expected to be an $86 billion industry. Every time you walk into a convenience store, you probably see a phalanx of lined up colorfully labeled cans that look, well, energetic. But what are the effects of energy drinks on ...

What are the ingredients in energy drinks?

Energy drinks also contain other substances touted to improve energy, such as taurine, ginseng, vitamin B, carnitine and bitter orange. But Dr. Lai says these ingredients haven’t been vetted properly. “Unfortunately, the safety and effects of daily consumption of these additives are not well known,” she says.

How much caffeine is in a 16 oz energy drink?

A typical 16-ounce energy drink contains between 150 to 280 milligrams of caffeine; larger cans have up to 500 milligrams of caffeine. This is in stark contrast to sodas, which are regulated by the FDA. By comparison, a 12-ounce can of soda can contains about 35 milligrams of caffeine. Many energy drinks also contain guarana, ...

How much caffeine is in a 12 oz soda can?

By comparison, a 12-ounce can of soda can contains about 35 milligrams of caffeine. Many energy drinks also contain guarana, which is a South American plant with a more potent form of caffeine. One gram of guaranine, a derivative of guarana, is equivalent to 40 to 80 milligrams of caffeine. Due to these additives, these energy drinks can ...

What are the side effects of caffeine?

If you’ve tried to break your caffeine habit, then you know there are many negative side effects to ingesting too much caffeine. Side effects of too much caffeine include: 1 Increased heart rate 2 High blood pressure 3 Heart palpitations 4 Insomnia 5 Dehydration 6 Restlessness

How old do you have to be to buy energy drinks?

Many of these have packaging that is similar to non-alcoholic energy drinks. Although you must be over 21 to buy the drinks, teenagers can often get them through friends or with fake IDs.

Is it safe to drink energy drinks?

She says energy drinks are full of sugar , sodium and loaded with caffeine – often twice as much as coffee and eight times as much as a soda.

Is drinking energy drinks bad for teens?

A similar study in 2015 by the University of Toronto found that alcoholic energy drinks are related to adolescent brain damage.

What are the side effects of drinking energy drinks?

We have compiled a list of 6 possible side effects of energy drinks you must be aware of. Take a look. 1. Caffeine overdose. One of the most important concerns around energy drinks is that they are loaded with caffeine. 16 ounces of energy drink can deliver 200 grams of caffeine to your body, and this is the least amount.

Why are energy drinks bad for you?

4. Dental problems. Energy drinks are loaded with sugar which is why they may affect your dental health. Sugar in these drinks can wear down the tooth enamel, thereby exposing them to cavities, hypersensitivity and erosion. 5. Dehydration and weakness. Energy drinks are used to give your body an instant energy boost.

How much caffeine is in an energy drink?

16 ounces of energy drink can deliver 200 grams of caffeine to your body. Energy drinks may also raise the risk of type-2 diabetes. In a world where everything is expected instantly, people have started looking for instant energy boosters as well. Now people may recommend you to gulp a bottle of an energy drink for that.

Why is it ironic to drink 16 oz of energy drinks?

It is ironical because a drink with a sporty image may lead to obesity due to its high sugar content. A 16-ounce energy drink gives you 220 calories. It may also increase the risk of type-2 diabetes. 3. Anxiety. In some people, their genetic variations can lead to this effect.

What happens if you overdose on caffeine?

Caffeine overdose may lead to hypertension, palpitations, calcium deficiency and more. 2. Weight gain. High dose of caffeine is accompanied by a high dose of sugar. It is ironical because a drink with a sporty image may lead to obesity due to its high sugar content. A 16-ounce energy drink gives you 220 calories.

Do energy drinks affect young people?

Their consumption is increasing worldwide and that has raised concern about these drinks and their impact on young people. Some energy drinks contain caffeine and stimulants which improves concentration and enhance alertness. However, some studies show that energy drinks pose some serious health effects. Also read: The Dangers Of Caffeine You ...

Can energy drinks cause anxiety?

In some people, their genetic variations can lead to this effect. Any variations in adenosine receptors can lead to anxiety in people who consume energy drinks regularly. This happens as a result of the high caffeine content of the drink.#N#Also read: Do energy drinks affect one's physical and mental health?

What happens if a man drinks energy drinks?

And if he drinks an excessive amount of energy drinks, he may experience challenges in his reproductive function and therefore have difficulty conceiving.

What is energy drink?

What are energy drinks? As the name implies, energy drinks are beverages that are formulated to give you more energy. Made with ingredients like taurine, ginseng, and sugar, these convenient concoctions are loaded with stimulants that are known to support factors like energy levels and mental focus.

How much caffeine is in energy drinks?

These drinks can have an excessive amount of caffeine— ranging from 50 to 505 milligrams per serving.

Can energy drinks make you sleepy?

You may have trouble sleeping. Those who drink energy drinks may have difficulty falling asleep. And not sleeping well can cause a person to feel sluggish the next day, leading them to seek a solution for their lack of energy. Enter an energy drink, which can cause sleeplessness—wash, rinse, and repeat.

Can you drink energy drinks with alcohol?

A newer trend is for people to combine energy drinks with alcohol or other drugs. Combining the stimulation of the caffeine with the depressant effect of the alcohol has been linked to impaired perception of one's state of drunkenness, which can result in unsafe behaviors like drunk driving.

Can caffeine cause heartbeat?

Shutterstock. Consuming too much caffeine can result in acute caffeine intoxication, a condition that leads to people experiencing things like vomiting, seizures, increased heartbeat, and more. And while you can experience this from consuming any source of caffeine, your chances of feeling these effects are much higher with energy drinks ...

Is energy drink safe?

While many of the ingredients found in energy drinks are natural and may sound like a healthful choice, including them in your lifestyle comes with some risk. In fact, over a five-year span, the number of energy drink-related visits to emergency departments doubled, climbing from 10,068 to 20,783 cases. In 2011 alone, 1 in 10 of these visits resulted in hospitalization.

What are the adverse effects of energy drinks?

Potential adverse effects of energy drinks in relation to their ingredients. Cardiovascular effect. Several studies have shown an increase in heart rate and arterial blood pressure after energy drink consumption. These findings were attributed to the ergogenic effects of the caffeine content of the energy drink.

Why are energy drinks so popular?

Consumption of energy drinks has been increasing dramatically in the last two decades, particularly amongst adolescents and young adults. Energy drinks are aggressively marketed with the claim that these products give an energy boost to improve physical and cognitive performance. However, studies supporting these claims are limited.

How much caffeine is in an energy drink?

The major constituent in most energy drinks is caffeine. They usually contain 80–150 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces, which is equivalent to 5 ounces of coffee or two 12-ounce cans of caffeinated soda.

How does caffeine affect you?

Neurological and psychological effect. Individuals usually develop symptoms of caffeine intoxication in doses equal to or above 200 mg. Symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, muscle twitching, restlessness, and periods of inexhaustibility.

How old are energy drinks?

Energy drinks are aggressively marketed in places popular with teens and young adults. Approximately, two thirds of energy drink consumers are 13–35 years old, and boys are two thirds of the market. (4)In the U.S., energy drinks are the second most common dietary supplement used by young people; about 30% consume energy drinks on a regular basis.

How much energy drink was consumed in 2013?

The annual consumption of energy drinks in 2013 exceeded 5.8 billion liters in around 160 countries. (3)The estimated total U.S. retail market value for energy drinks was around 12.5 billion USD in 2012 and the market increased 56% from 2006 to 2002. (2)

When was the first energy drink invented?

The first energy drink appeared in the U.S. in 1949 and was marketed as “Dr. Enuf”. (1)In Europe, they were launched for the first time in 1987; then the market expanded throughout the world, becoming very popular after the launch of Red Bull in 1997.

What are the side effects of a 300 mg med?

Mental health side effects: anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, violent behaviors; often with doses of 300mg or more (3) Many people have side effects on much lower doses, especially when stressed. Other side effects are also possible (3).

Do energy drinks have caffeine?

This is an association study and does not tell us about cause and effect. Many energy drinks contain both caffeine and sugar; and some contain other additives that may have other side effects. Some people are more sensitive to the effects and side effects of caffeine, and energy drinks than others, even in lower amounts.