Some Facts About Energy Drinks

W h a t a r e e n e r g y d r i n k s ?

The term “energy drinks” refers to beverages that contain caffeine in combination with other ingredients such as taurine, guarana, and B vitamins, and that claims to provide its consumers with extra energy .  This term was created by companies in the beverage industry  and is not recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA.

I s t h e r e e v i d e n c e t h a t t h e s e e n e r g y d r i n k s i n c r e a s e e n e r g y ?

There is limited evidence that consumption of energy drinks can significantly improve physical and mental performance , driving ability when tired , and decrease mental fatigue during long periods of concentration.  Unfortunately, the body of literature is limited and it is not known whether these improvements are due to the caffeine, other herbal ingredients, or as a result of the combination of the ingredients found in a beverage (2).

C a n c o n s u m p t i o n o f e n e r g y d r i n k s h a v e a d v e r s e e f f e c t s ?

The caffeine content of a single serving of energy drink (8 to 12 fl oz) can range from 72 to 150 mg; however, many bottles contain 2-3 servings, raising the caffeine content to as high as 294 mg per bottle.  In comparison, the caffeine content, per serving (8 fl oz.), of brewed coffee, tea, and cola beverages ranges between 134-240 mg, 48-175 mg, and 22-46 mg respectively .  A recent literature review determined that consumption of up to 400 mg caffeine daily by healthy adults is not associated with adverse effects.  However, groups that are at risk, such as women of reproductive age and children, should limit their daily consumption of caffeine to a maximum of 300 mg for the former and 2.5 mg/kg body weight for the latter; thus they may need to avoid consuming energy beverages with a higher caffeine content. Adolescents should limit caffeine consumption, as intakes greater than 100 mg/day has been associated with elevated blood pressure .  Based on these findings, consumption of energy drinks by pregnant or nursing women, adolescents, and children is not recommended.

Caution is warranted even for healthy adults who choose to consume energy beverages.

Consumption of a single energy beverage may not lead to excessive caffeine intake; however, consumption of two or more beverages in a single day can. Other stimulants such as guarana and ginseng are often added to energy beverages and can enhance the effects of caffeine.  Guarana, in particular, contains caffeine (1g of guarana is nearly equal to 40 mg caffeine)  and may substantially increase the total caffeine in an energy drink.  Adverse effects associated with caffeine consumption in amounts of 400 mg or more include nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, increased urination, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), decreased bone levels, and stomach upset .

Furthermore, it should be noted that energy drinks contain added sugar. According to the USDADietary Guidelines, sugar should be limited in the normal daily diet

S h o u l d e n e r g y d r i n k s b e c o n s u m e d b e f o r e o r d u r i n g e x e r c i s e ?

Caffeine is known to increase endurance and its use is therefore banned by the International Olympic Committee.  Research has found consumption of caffeine prior to heavy exercise to be safe; however, the safety of consuming caffeine in combination with other herbal supplements found in energy drinks prior to or during exercise has yet to be established.  Until the safety of this practice can be established, consumption of energy drinks prior to exercise by individuals of any age is not recommended.

S h o u l d c h i l d r e n a n d a d o l e s c e n t s c o n s u m e e n e r g y d r i n k s ?

A recent survey of 78 youth (11-18 years) found that 42.3 percent of participants consumed energy drinks; however, the effects of ingredients found in energy drinks on children and adolescents has raised concern.   In adolescents, caffeine consumption has been associated with an increase in blood pressure. Based on the limited data regarding safety, it is not recommended that children or adolescents consume energy drinks.

I s i t s a f e t o m i x e n e r g y d r i n k s w i t h a l c o h o l ?

A recent study investigating the effects of energy drink consumption in combination with alcohol reported that, despite not feeling intoxicated, participants performed just as poorly on objective measures of motor coordination and reaction time as they did after consumption of alcohol alone.  In short, an individual may unknowingly overlook the debilitating effects of intoxication because of the sensation of alertness produced by the energy drink.  Furthermore, both caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics, increasing the likelihood of dehydration and adverse cardiovascular effects.  For these reasons, it is not recommended to consume energy drinks in combination with alcohol.

Dr Tango is Consultant Physician with facts and Figures Email- caremed001@gmail.com Blackberry Pin - 74282d21.Follow us on twitter @Care_Med