Health Effects of Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are classified as functional food, i.e. food that can positively affect one or more functions of the body
Energy drinks contain bioactive substances such as caffeine, taurine, inositol, guarana, glucuronolactone, and camitine. These substances, and in particular the high caffeine content, reduce the feeling of fatigue with increased physical and mental effort.
In recent years, the demand for energy and isotonic drinks has increased Although this market is still the smallest percentage in the production of non-alcoholic beverages, it attracts a lot of interest not only among consumers but also nutrition specialists. Although these products are intended for a specific group, they are more and more often used by young people, and students who do not always require the use of this type of drink in their diet. Therefore, it would be important to educate people in different age groups on the consumption of energy drinks and isotonic drinks.
As of 1 January 2024, the sale of drinks with added caffeine or taurine is prohibited to individuals under 18 years of age.
The consumption of energy drinks has increased. Since 2012 the level of consumption has increased significantly. Due to the increase in consumption, energy drinks have become a common subject of discussion and a focus of research for scientists. That results from potential risk factors that may have an impact on people’s health.
Sugar
The main ingredients of energy drinks are water and sugar, which can become a real threat to young consumers when consuming large amounts of the drink. According to research, it is the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages that can largely contribute to weight gain, and thus to overweight and obesity. These diseases are a serious problem of the 21st century in every age group. The consequence of high consumption of these drinks may be an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Caffeine
Caffeine is an additive used in the food and beverage industry, it occurs in energy drinks. Caffeine could even have beneficial effects on being overweight. Caffeine with sucrose may increase the risk of obesity and overweight by enhancing carbohydrate oxidation and lowering fat oxidation. Another risk related to the presence of caffeine in energy drinks is the possibility of consumption of these products by children under 16 years of age. Caffeine can have a very strong effect on a child’s body. It can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, nervousness, agitation, insomnia, and, in large amounts, even dehydration in this age group. Pregnant women are also more exposed to caffeine. Caffeine is metabolized more slowly during pregnancy. Caffeine crosses the placental barrier and can obstruct blood flow to the placenta and inhibit nutrient transport to the fetus. This may contribute to the birth of a child with lower birth weight, premature birth, and even miscarriage.
The effect of energy drinks on the work of the cardiovascular system may also be disturbing. Drinks with a high caffeine content are not recommended for people with cardiovascular disease. Some studies show that consuming more caffeine may contribute to the aggravation of cardiovascular diseases, as they may contribute to an increase in blood pressure and may increase the risk of myocardial infarction.
Dangerous combination
The greatest amounts of energy drinks are consumed by young people aged 19-25 and are often mixed with alcohol. This combination can lead to serious health effects. Energy drinks, through their stimulating effects, have the opposite effect on the body from alcohol, reducing its sedative effects, confusing and producing the confusing feeling of being sober. This leads to even greater consumption of alcohol, causing an increased risk of intoxication. People who consume this type of mixture have a three times higher probability of alcohol intoxication and a four times higher risk of driving a motor vehicle, which results from an incorrect assessment of sobriety.
Scientific Research on Energy Drinks
Scientists have analyzed the composition of 25 different types of energy drinks taking into account the caffeine content. The analysis revealed the presence of more than 70 different substances. The results showed that caffeine content in drinks ranged from 28,944 mg/100 ml to 37,162 mg/100 ml. According to the label claims, the amount of caffeine present in the energy drinks is 32 mg/100 mL. In most cases, the caffeine content in tested products is higher than the declared amount. Energy drinks may provide a temporary energy boost due to caffeine and sugar content, potentially improving short-term performance. Energy drinks can be especially bad for children. Lacking control over the amount of energy drinks consumed is observed due to the broad market offer.
dr Alicja Ponder
Sources:
- Frąckiewicz, J. (2022). Influence of consumption of energy and isotonic drinks on the human body. Postępy Techniki Przetwórstwa Spożywczego, 32/61, 125–132.
- Żukiewicz-Sobczak, Wioletta, Paweł Sobczak, Marta Siłuch, Marcin Weiner, . Ewa T. Pawłowicz-Sosnowska, Paulina Wojtyła-Buciora, Jarosław Chmielewski, Ilona Żeber-Dzikowska, Barbara Gworek, i Jerzy Zagórski. 2018. „Analysis of the Chemical Composition of Energy Drinks for Contents of Stimulant and Filling Compounds”. Przemysł Chemiczny 97: 560–564.
- Kopacz, Agnieszka, Agata Wawrzyniak, Jadwiga Hamułka, i Magdalena Górnicka. 2013. „Evaluation of Energy Drink Intake in Selected Student Groups”. Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny, 49–53.
- Wierzbicka, Elżbieta, i Julia Momot. 2022. „Assessment of Caffeine Intake from Food and Beverage Sources Among Young Women”. Postępy Techniki Przetwórstwa Spożywczego 32/60: 113–121.