Consumption of energy drinks has been linked to increased risk of blood pressure in young adults.
Most of the energy drinks contain large quantities of caffeine. These energy drinks offer energy boosts but only temporarily. Some energy drinks also contain high levels of sugar that can have adverse effects on individuals such as weight gain.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic recently conducted a study, which suggests that energy drinks can raise resting blood pressure in individuals who are not used to caffeine consumption.
Anna Svatikova, at the Mayo Clinic, who is also the lead author of the study, reveals that the latest research involved 25 healthy individuals between the age of 19 and 40. All the participants were either given an energy drink or a standard drink to consume.
The researchers recorded the heart rate and blood pressure of all participants before consumption of their drink and 30 minutes after consuming a drink. The study found that individuals who had consumed energy drink experienced an increase in blood pressure in comparison to those who had standard drinks.
Some of the participants consumed very less amount of caffeine, or less than 160 mg, each day. The study also found that people in this category experienced significant rise in blood pressure after consuming energy drinks.
"Now we are seeing that for those not used to caffeine, the concern may be even greater. Consumers should use caution when using energy drinks because they may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, even among young people," says Svatikova.
The study also found that the change in heart rate after consuming energy drinks was quite evident especially in older participants.
A previous report highlighted that energy drinks consumption in young people is associated with seizures and heart problems. Energy drinks are also easily available in the market and does not have sale restriction.
Svatikova reveals that consumption of energy drinks is increasing a lot amongst young people. Experts have also raised concerns about adverse effects of energy drinks on an individual's health. However, many people ignore the risks associated with energy drinks and continue drinking them.
Researchers also suggest that most of the research about energy drinks blames caffeine for any adverse effects. However, other substances in energy drinks should also be looked at to understand better the side-effects causing agents in the energy drinks.
Photo: Matteo Paciotti | Flickr
