Many energy drinks have high amounts of caffeine and other ingredients that can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure. Unlike coffee, in which most people don't overindulge, energy drinks are sometimes consumed frequently and in large amounts. This can keep your blood pressure high. "Energy shots offer a very concentrated dose of caffeine, which makes it difficult to stop when you feel like you've had too much," says Joy Bauer, nutrition and health editor for NBC's "Today Show."
Caffeine and Blood Pressure
The amount of caffeine in an energy drink ranges from 75 to 400 mg, according to Dr. Steven E. Lipshulz, head of pediatrics at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Just 200 mg of caffeine can cause a 14 point increase in your systolic pressure, or the top number in a reading, and a 13 point increase in your diastolic pressure, the lower number in a reading. Most people who like energy drinks down them more quickly than other beverages, according to the University of Southern California. They also drink them more often. Increased consumption, along with incomplete warning labels on these products can lead to caffeine overdose, according to the University of Southern California.
Other Energy Drink Ingredients
In addition to caffeine, many energy drinks contain herbs and supplements that are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. According to the University of North Texas, both ginseng and guarana, typical energy-drink additives, can increase your blood pressure. In high does, yohimbine can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Little to no research has been done on the interaction of these supplements with caffeine.
Children and Adolescents
The American Pediatric Association in 2011 issued a warning that children and adolescents should not consume energy drinks because of the effect of caffeine on their heart rates, blood pressure and other body functions. In a March 2011 article the journal "Pediatrics," Sara Seifert, a researcher at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, wrote that those under 19 accounted for nearly half of all reported caffeine overdoses in 2007. Adolescents and young adults consume 30 to 50 percent of energy drinks sold in the United States. The FDA limits the amount of caffeine in soft drinks but not energy drinks, which are considered supplements and not food.
Warnings
If you have high-blood pressure, either refrain from drinking the beverages, or limit your consumption. Be aware that the caffeine and other ingredients in the drinks may interact with your bronchodilators if you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Also avoid caffeine if you are taking ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, or clozapin, a drug sometimes used to treat schizophrenia. Check with your physician to make certain that it's OK for you have energy drinks. Read the warning labels on energy drinks, and do not exceed recommended consumption levels. When reading ingredient labels, be aware that caffeine levels are often listed per serving, with multiple servings in each can.
References
- MSNBC: The Body Odd
- Reuters: As Sales Soar, Experts Warn About Energy
- The Mayo Clinic: High Blood Pressure
- USC Scribe: Energy Drinks
- University of North Texas: Caffeine, An Overview
- "Pediatrics"; Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They Appropriate?; Committee on Nutrition and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness; June 2011
