Table 1
| Category of health effects | Major effects observed |
| Risk-seeking behaviors | Substance abuse: alcohol, cigarettes, ma ... |
| Mental health effects | Stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, su ... |
| Adverse cardiovascular effects | Increased systolic and diastolic blood p ... |
| Adverse metabolic, dental, or renal effe ... | Overweight/obesity risk ( 44, 47 – 49) R ... |
- Dehydration (not enough water in your body).
- Heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure).
- Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery).
- Insomnia (unable to sleep).
What energy drinks are doing to your health?
What energy drinks do to your heart muscle
- Milliseconds that add up to arrhythmia. The subjects of her study were eighteen men and women who were randomly assigned to two groups. ...
- More than just caffeine and sugar. ...
- Other reasons to avoid energy drinks. ...
What are the health risks of energy drinks?
The study, published in the BMJ Open, found evidence that children who drank energy drinks on five or more days per week were likely to have low psychological, physical, educational and overall well-being such as headaches, sleep problems, alcohol use, smoking, irritability and school exclusion.
Are energy drinks really that bad for your health?
Energy drinks—which contain a mixture of caffeine and other energy-boosting ingredients—have been linked to a number of health problems, including abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. In 2011 alone, energy drinks caused more than 20,000 hospital visits and have led to at least 34 deaths to date.
What are the side effects of drinking energy drinks?
- Cardiovascular side effects: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, arrythmia, and heart disease, including heart attacks (3).
- 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.
How do energy drinks affect your health?
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.
Is energy drinks are harmful?
While energy drinks may seem like a quick fix for fatigue, the short- and long-term effects of drinking them outweigh the benefits. Energy drinks have been linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular issues. A single energy drink can contain more sugar and caffeine than you should have in a day.
What are the long-term effects of energy drinks?
Several previous studies have shown that energy drinks may affect heart rhythm and blood pressure significantly. As energy drinks are sugar-sweetened beverages, long-term use may also affect the body's metabolism, including cholesterol, blood sugars, and weight.
What harmful things are in energy drinks?
Some of the popular energy drinks on the market today contain extremely high levels of B3 (niacin) and B6, which in excess, are known to cause gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions, liver toxicity, nerve damage, and even blurred vision.
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.
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.
Do energy drinks damage your brain?
The Consumption of Energy Drinks Induces Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Wild-Type Mice. Energy drinks containing significant quantities of caffeine and sugar are increasingly consumed, particularly by adolescents and young adults. Chronic ingestion of energy drinks may potentially regulate vascular risk factors.
What energy drinks do to the brain?
This may seem unlikely, but under certain circumstances, energy drinks can be extremely harmful....Side-Effects of a Traumatic Brain InjuryNausea or vomiting.Fatigue.Headache.Loss of consciousness.Dizziness.Speech issues.Loss of balance.
Do energy drinks take years off your life?
Though they may be good for an afternoon pick-me-up energy drinks are far from healthy and can even take years off of your life if consumed too often. According to a 2017 study that appeared in the Journal of the American Heart Association, energy drinks can cause potentially "life-threatening" alterations to the body.
How many energy drinks a day is safe?
Up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally safe. Still, drinking more than four, 8-ounce (240-ml) servings of energy drinks per day — or two, 16-ounce (480-ml) cans of Monster — may cause negative effects due to excess caffeine, such as headache or insomnia ( 9 , 10 ).
Are energy drinks worse than soda?
But sugar isn't the only thing to worry about, and that's what makes energy drinks potentially worse than soda. This fizzy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, as well as such other stimulants as taurine, ginseng, and gaurana, according to Richter.
Are energy drinks worse than coffee?
Aside from the caffeine, energy drinks usually have a ton of sugar, which won't help you in the long run; after the rush wears off, you'll just crash again. Coffee, on the other hand, is better for sustained energy, and you won't have to add to your calorie count for the day when you drink it.
Why do people drink energy drinks?
Energy Drinks May Help People Function When They’re Tired. Another reason people consume energy drinks is to help them function when they’re sleep-deprived or tired. Drivers on long, late-night road trips often reach for energy drinks to help them stay alert while they’re behind the wheel.
What is energy drink?
Energy drinks are designed to increase energy and mental performance. They contain a combination of caffeine, sugar, vitamins, amino acid derivatives and herbal extracts.
How much caffeine is in an 8 oz energy drink?
Energy drinks typically only contain around 80 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces (237 ml), which is pretty close to an average cup of coffee. The problem is that many energy drinks are sold in containers larger than 8 ounces (237 ml).
How much caffeine should a child drink?
This is equivalent to about 85 mg of caffeine for a 75-pound (34-kg) child 12 years of age or younger. Depending on an energy drink’s brand and container size, it would not be difficult to exceed these caffeine recommendations with just one can.
What are some examples of energy drinks?
Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, Monster, AMP, Rockstar, NOS and Full Throttle are examples of popular energy drink products. Nearly all energy drinks contain the ingredient caffeine to stimulate brain function and increase alertness and concentration. However, the amount of caffeine differs from product to product.
How much sugar is in a can of Red Bull?
Most energy drinks contain a sizable amount of sugar. For example, one 8.4-ounce (250-ml) can of Red Bull contains 27 grams (about 7 teaspoons) of sugar, while a 16-ounce (473-ml) can of Monster contains about 54 grams (about 14 teaspoons) of sugar.
Is it safe to mix energy drinks with alcohol?
Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol Has Serious Health Risks. Mixing energy drinks with alcohol is incredibly popular among young adults and college students. However, this presents a major public health concern. The stimulating effects of caffeine in energy drinks can override the depressive effects of alcohol.
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 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.
How dangerous are energy drinks?
6. Some of the dangers of energy drinks include 1: Dehydration (not enough water in your body). Heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure). Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery). Insomnia (unable to sleep).
What are the stimulants in a drink?
A beverage that typically contains large amounts of caffeine, added sugars, other additives, and legal stimulants such as guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine. These legal stimulants can increase alertness, attention, energy, as well as increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. 1-4.
What can teachers teach about caffeine?
Teachers and other school staff can educate students about the danger of consuming too much caffeine, including energy drinks. Coaches can educate athletes about the difference between energy drinks and sports drinks and potential dangers of consuming highly caffeinated beverages. School nutrition staff can provide only healthy beverages such as ...
How much caffeine should a 12 year old drink?
Children aged 12–18 should not consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine/day. Parents, teachers, and other school staff can educate students about the dangers of these drinks."></a>.
Why is it important to drink energy drinks?
Energy Drinks and Health. Sipping a beverage that offers quick energy may appeal to people who feel fatigued or who believe the caffeine can provide an edge when exercising or playing competitive sports.
How much sugar is in energy drinks?
Some energy drinks may contain as much as 500 mg per can (the amount in 14 cans of cola). [4.6] High sugar content. Because of the excessive sugar content in some energy drinks, they carry the same health risks associated with other sugar-sweetened beverages. See Sugary Drinks. Dangers with alcohol.
What is caffeine in energy drinks?
Caffeine is the primary ingredient in energy drinks shown in adults to enhance physical performance by increasing endurance and strength, improving reaction time, and delaying fatigue, though the effects are highly variable among persons. (6) These effects have not been studied in children and adolescents.
How much sugar is in a 12 oz cola?
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. Because of the amount of sugar ...
What is the best hydrating drink?
Plain water is the best hydrating beverage for most people, but sports and energy drinks are advertised to appeal to those who exercise or need a boost of energy to get through the day.
Can caffeine cause heart problems?
Too much caffeine from any beverage, particularly when several are taken in one day in sensitive individuals, can lead to anxiety, insomnia, heart problems like irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure, and in rare cases seizures or cardiac arrest.
Is energy drink safe for children?
However, they also contain high amounts of sugar, vitamins, and herbs that may not be necessary for the average person. Energy drinks can pose a health risk in vulnerable groups including children, teenagers, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Adults who choose to consume energy drinks should check the label for caffeine content and avoid high consumption (over 200 mg of caffeine per drink); consumption in combination with alcohol should be avoided. [9] Pediatricians should discuss the use of energy drinks with their young patients and parents to ensure that all are aware of the health risks, and if used, are monitored carefully. [7]
What are the effects of drinking energy drinks?
Some of these effects—like heart disease and obesity—are more insidious. Other effects—such as anxiety or digestive issues—could immediately deter one from consuming these beverages. “Energy drinks are frequently consumed and there are reports of morbidity and mortality associated with their consumption.
What are the ingredients in energy drinks?
Energy drinks typically contain vitamins (albeit not exactly in the proper or active form), glucuronolactone (a glucose metabolite), and herbal extracts, as well as two main active ingredients—taurine and caffeine, which have been shown to boost athletic performance. Caffeine modifies physical performance and increases cardiovascular ...
How much caffeine is in 5 hour energy?
For example, a full bottle of 5-Hour Energy® has a caffeine content of 207 mg , Red Bull® 111 mg, and Monster Energy® 86 mg.
Does caffeine affect endurance?
Caffeine modifies physical performance and increases cardiovascular measures, such as blood pressure and heart rate. It also combats fatigue and enhances endurance, which is appealing to athletes and busy professionals alike. Of note, caffeine content in energy drinks ranges widely. Being a stimulant (drug if you will) it is regulated by ...
Does energy drink affect blood pressure?
The authors suggested that the effects of energy drinks on blood pressure may be unhealthy. Other researchers have shown that energy drinks increase norepinephrine (NorEpi – a stimulant neurotransmitter/hormone) levels by 74%, resulting in higher heart rates, blood pressure, glucose mobilization, and blood flow to skeletal muscle.
Is energy drink regulated by the FDA?
Experts in health and nutrition are concerned about these beverages, which are essentially unregulated by the FDA. Other countries have tried to rein in energy-drink manufacturers using regulations on labeling, distribution, and sales especially to young consumers, but in the USA this is very limited. Stakeholders are particularly concerned ...
Is taurine bad for you?
Taurine is actually not a bad thing to consume ; has been shown to stabilize cardiac tissue and lessen the likelihood of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). In addition, energy drinks contain loads of sugar (25–30 g/240–250 mL), including glucose with fructose or maltodextrin and fructose, which can boost energy levels in exercisers.