Drinking energy drink to get an instant boost can be harmful to the health, backing up earlier concerns over the potential effects of these fizzy beverages on the body.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks primarily contain sugar, caffeine, water, vitamins, minerals, and stimulants such as taurine, ginseng, and guarana. Some of these drinks contain almost 12 times more caffeine than regular coffee. Researchers said that the risks are mainly due to the sugar and caffeine content of these drinks.
In October this year, a woman claimed that excessive consumption of energy drink left a hole in her husband's skull. The World Health Organization (WHO) has earlier warned about the threats of energy drinks, particularly to young people.
Effects Of Energy Drinks Of Physical And Mental Health
In a new study, which was published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, researchers reviewed current studies on the risks associated with consuming energy drinks. They found evidence that links energy drinks to a range of unwanted physical and mental health conditions.
These beverages have long been associated with a spike in blood pressure, weight gain, and sleep problems but the findings suggest that these supposed energy boosters are also linked to higher risk for diabetes, kidney damage, tooth decay, as well as mental health problems such as anxiety and substance abuse.
"The wide range of conditions that energy drinks can negatively impact was quite astounding," said study author Josiemer Mattei, from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Mixing Energy Drinks And Alcohol
Researchers of the study also highlight the dangers of the worrying trend of mixing energy drinks and alcohol. They said that those who consume alcohol-mixed energy drink tend to consume more alcohol compared with when they drink alcohol alone. It's because the energy drink masks the signs of drunkenness that can give the notion it is still safe to consume more alcohol, which can lead to the so-called "awake drunkenness."
The researchers also noted that mixing energy drink and alcohol can lead to potentially fatal conditions.
"As a result of this increased alcohol consumption, those who drink alcohol-mixed ED are more likely to experience severe dehydration and alcohol poisoning," Mattei and colleagues wrote in their study.
"This negative health trend is particularly concerning as it disproportionately affects underage individuals and has been linked to binge drinking, alcohol-dependence behaviors, and drunk driving."
Not For Children And Teenagers
The findings of the study likewise prompted the researchers to warn against giving energy drinks to children and teenagers.
