The Science Behind the Safety of Energy Drinks

 Intro:

Many people enjoy using energy drinks as a stimulant to help them get through their busy days, especially if they work outside of the home. What many consumers may not realize, however, is that these popular drinks have been shrouded in controversy due to their potential health risks. To ease your concerns, this blog post will go over the research on the safety of energy drinks and provide you with the current recommendations regarding their use. By the end of this piece, you’ll be well informed about the science behind energy drinks and ready to make an informed decision about whether or not they are safe for you to use.

 

Start with the facts

The American Beverage Association, which represents major energy drink producers like Red Bull and Monster, says caffeine levels are well below FDA limits. Caffeine varies from drink to drink but ranges from about 80 milligrams to 500 milligrams per can. This is roughly equivalent to a one-quarter cup of coffee or a 12-ounce cola (see here for more on caffeine amounts). However, it’s important to keep in mind that doses as low as 100 milligrams have been shown to boost alertness and even improve physical performance.

 

Misconceptions about energy drinks

At least two recent tragedies in high schools have led to allegations that energy drinks were involved. One teenager reportedly drank two cans of Red Bull, while another supposedly chugged two Monster Energy beverages within a short period. Sadly, both teens died suddenly after experiencing seizures. These cases are making many people question just how safe energy drinks really are and whether or not there is any connection between their consumption and sudden death. However, research reveals that there is no conclusive evidence demonstrating a causal relationship between energy drink consumption and life-threatening events such as heart attacks or seizures. An investigation into these specific deaths revealed that other factors may have been involved. For example, one teenager had an undetected heart condition; he also participated in an intense weight-lifting session before consuming his last drink.

 

The truth about caffeine and kids

Over-the-counter caffeine products like energy drinks are often marketed as safe alternatives to soda, but they’re not necessarily appropriate for kids. Too much caffeine—especially in combination with high levels of sugar—can lead to serious health issues in young people. In adults, caffeine has been linked to increased risk for anxiety, stress, and panic attacks. At high doses, it can also cause irregular heartbeats, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant women should not consume more than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day while breastfeeding women should stick to 100 mg per day.

 

Who should avoid energy drinks?

While energy drinks may not be directly harmful to most adults, they may pose risks for those who don’t exercise regularly. Research has shown that young people who use energy drinks are at risk for increased blood pressure and heart rate, especially when combined with physical activity. In addition, men under 35 years old should avoid caffeine because it may increase health risks such as high blood pressure and stroke, even if they exercise regularly. Women under 40 years old should also watch their caffeine intake because it can increase health risks. The American Heart Association advises healthy adults to limit their daily caffeine intake to less than 400 milligrams or about four cups of coffee per day (two mugs equal about 200 mg each). Adults with irregular heartbeat or other cardiovascular problems should avoid energy drinks entirely.

 

What’s next?

Unfortunately, many energy drinks are marketed as dietary supplements, which prevents them from being held to rigorous safety standards. Still, energy drink companies claim they take great care to ensure their products are safe and meet FDA guidelines. But what does the research say? A recent analysis of nine separate studies found that drinking large amounts of energy drinks could negatively impact our health in a variety of ways: They raise blood pressure and interfere with sleep quality; they deplete essential vitamins like B12 and D; they hurt our kidneys by slowing urine production (which can lead to kidney stones); and more. If you do choose to enjoy an energy drink, remember that caffeine is a drug.

The Science Behind the Safety of Energy Drinks