Truth Behind Energy Drinks

Energy drinks have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Advertising has been focused towards teenagers and young adults, enticing them with promises of quick energy boosts and increased attention spans. However, very little research has been done on the short term or long term effects of energy drinks.

Energy drinks vary in both ingredients and caffeine dosage. In general, energy drinks consist of different amounts of caffeine, sugar, guarana (whose seeds contain caffeine), cocoa and a variety of herbs.

The Journal of the American Medical Association has released a couple articles on the risk and harm associated with energy drinks. Potential negative effects include; increased heart rate, irregular heart rate and palpitations, increased blood pressure, sleep disturbances, diuresis (increased urine production) and increased blood sugar. All of these risks can be harmful for the entire population. However, particularly at risk are those with diabetes, heart conditions, metabolic disorders and sleep disorders. Also, people taking medication should be particularly careful since there could be a drug interaction.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that young children should never consume energy drinks. The high levels of caffeine can be especially harmful to children.

Since caffeine is so popular, many people do not consider it to be a drug. However, caffeine consumption should be limited each day. Adolescents should not have more than 100mg of caffeine each day. Adults should limit their caffeine intake to 500mg. This includes soda, coffee and particularly energy drinks since the dosage of caffeine in energy drinks is so high. Energy drinks can contain anywhere from 160-290mg of caffeine.

Of considerable note is the risk of mixing energy drinks and alcohol. Since the energy drink market targets teens and young adults, consumption of these products is incredibly common. About 31% of young teens are reported to regularly consume energy drinks, while 34%-51% of young adults from 18-24 years of age regularly consume energy drinks. However, a startling number of young adults (56%) are mixing alcohol and energy drinks.

By offsetting the sedating effects of alcohol, the caffeine in these energy drinks reduces the sensation of intoxication. This leads to risky behaviours, such as impaired driving, because the drinker does not realize they are intoxicated. Also, there is increased alcohol consumption since the effects of the alcohol are not felt. This leads to further impairments in judgment and functioning.

Energy drinks should be consumed with extreme caution and should be completely avoided in children and young adolescents. 

Resources

Torpy, J.M. Energy Drinks. 2013. JAMA 309(3):297.

Howland, J. and D.J. Rohsenow. Risks of Energy Drinks Mixed with Alcohol. 2013. JAMA. 309(3):245-246