It wasn’t that long ago that energy drinks were a novelty item. I’m not sure when they first came onto the market, but I can’t seem to remember seeing them at convince stores when I was growing up.
Since that time, concerns over their ingredients have increased though it has not stunted sales. In recent times, the World Health Organization has warned that they “may pose a health danger to the public” and the American Academy of Pediatric flatly states that “children should not consume [energy drinks].” So, what exactly are them and is it unhealthy?
Many of the most popular energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that has both positive and negative health effects. It can be used to treat certain premature infant disorders and even Parkinson’s Disease.
On the negative side, caffeine causes a mild dependence with an associated tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon suddenly stopping. Of course, it is still recommended that pregnant women monitor their caffeine intake levels to the equivalent of one to two cups of coffee per day. Caffeine is classified by the US Food and Drug Administration as “generally recognized as safe.” However, it is possible to exhibit adverse health effects due to over consumption of caffeine.
Taurine and guarana, common amino acids, affect the levels of water and minerals in your blood. These chemicals can add to the ‘punch’ of the caffeine that is already in the drink. The main risk of caffeine mixed with these ingredients is the impact of the functioning of your arteries. Extreme intakes of these chemicals, such as 200 milligrams in one dose, can lead to caffeine intoxication with symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, GI issues, muscle twitching, restlessness and periods of inexhaustibility. Cardiac dysrhythmias also cannot be ruled out.
Children and energy drinks do not mix! For children ages 12-18 years of age, the Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. That’s roughly one cup of coffee. With energy drinks containing 100-200 milligrams per SERVING, teenagers should exercise extreme caution if they choose to consume them.
In 2011, 1,500 people age 18 and below were admitted to the Emergency Room for energy drink-related health emergencies. Substances that cause increases in blood pressure, such as energy drinks, are particularly dangerous before children participate in sporting events. The combination of rising blood pressure coupled with the intense exertion can lead to a host of problems.
The most serious of these is a heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Keep it simple and drink plenty of water prior to any sporting events. If you are an adult, keep a watch on your total caffeine and energy drink intake throughout the day.
Red Bull might give you wings, but chronically over-consuming energy drinks can give you angel wings much sooner than your time.
Stay safe out there.
If there is a topic that you would like me to explore, please drop me a line at eric.williams@jcjc.edu. Stay safe out there.
M. Eric Williams, MS, NR-P is a syndicated columnist and the Assistant Director of Emergency Medical Education at Jones County Junior College. He is a current Doctoral Researcher at Delta State University and has 15 years’ experience in Emergency Medicine.
