The United States has some of the most lax regulations when it comes to regulating and labeling energy drinks, according to a 2010 report published in the “Mayo Clinic Proceedings” journal. As a result, companies can claim a number of benefits even if they haven’t been proven or even analyzed. Because no long-term studies exist on the effects of energy drinks, it’s hard to predict what could happen if you consume energy drinks for years.
Heart Problems
The “Mayo Clinic Proceedings” report points out that abusing energy drinks can result in problems for the cardiovascular system, including heart rhythm disturbances, racing heart and an increased risk of stroke. Because they have a high content of caffeine, they can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol, causing heart irregularities and nausea or vomiting.
Sugar Problems
Energy drinks often contain high amounts of sugar, which provide part of the energy kick. Although the ingestion of sugar will postpone fatigue temporarily, it will eventually lead to a sudden drop in energy as your body absorbs the sugar. Long-term or excessive use of sugary drinks can lead to obesity and might cause insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
Other Side Effects
Drinking an occasional energy drinks is unlikely to cause any permanent damage. Do it regularly and you might end up experiencing a number of health problems, some of which might be temporary, while others might be more permanent. For example, many energy drinks contain guarana, a caffeine-rich plant that can cause overdoses and require emergency medical care.
Special Populations
Energy drinks can be especially dangerous to teens and young people in general. In a 2008 report published by the “Journal of Adolescent Health,” researchers collected data from 602 college students regarding their consumption of energy drinks and other activities. The analysis of the research shows that those students who consumed energy drinks regularly were also more likely to take risks, such as not wearing their seatbelt, engaging in risky sexual behavior and smoking marijuana.
References
- The New York Times; Scientists See Dangers in Energy Drinks; Jane E. Brody; January 2011
- “Mayo Clinic Proceedings”; Energy Beverages: Content and Safety; John P. Higgins, M.D.; November 2010
- “Journal of Adolescent Health”; Energy Drinks, Race, and Problem Behaviors Among College Students; Miller KE; November 2008
- Milwaukee School of Engineering; Energy Drink Dangers; Theresa Trenier; January 2007
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