Top 10 Health Risks of an Energy Drink
The researchers from World Health Organization (WHO) state that the health risks
associated with
energy drink consumption are primarily related to their
caffeine
content. An energy drink is a non-alcoholic drink that contains caffeine
(usually its main ingredient), taurine, vitamins, and sometimes a combination of
other ingredients (such as guarana and ginseng, among others), marketed for its
perceived or actual benefits as a stimulant, for improving performance and for
increasing energy.
Caffeine is a mild central nervous stimulant that occurs
naturally in coffee beans, cocoa beans and tea leaves. In large
doses, it can be profoundly toxic, resulting in arrhythmia,
tachycardia, vomiting, convulsions, coma and death.
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They have written a narrative review of studies on the health risks
associated with energy drink consumption and policies related to energy drinks.
Potential risks associated with energy drink consumption include:
Health symptoms, including palpitations,
high blood
pressure, nausea and vomiting, convulsions and, in some cases, even death.
The high caffeine content in Energy drinks can cause an arrhythmia in your body.
Arrhythmia occurs when you feel a fluttering in your chest or rapid heart beat.
In a healthy adult, these symptoms should be temporary and disappear on their
own. You may also experience chest pain, restlessness, dizziness or shortness of
breath, as reported by MayoClinic.com.
Increased risk of arterial hypertension: Information provided by the
University of California states that intakes of more than 100 mg of caffeine per
day can increase your risk of hypertension. Monster Energy drinks contain about
80 mg of caffeine per serving, or 160 mg per can. Severe side effects can occur
after you consume 400 mg of caffeine in one day.
Type 2 diabetes as high consumption of caffeine reduces
insulin sensitivity. Sugary drinks like Monstor contain a lot of
sugar (glucose) and additives. When you drink a sugary drink, your
body has to process these by producing insulin. It�s suggested that
the rapid spikes in glucose and insulin in your body cause insulin
resistance. This can lead to
type 2 diabetes.
 Increased
chances of miscarriages, low birthweight and stillbirths in
pregnant women: There are several studies that have shown evidence
for increased risk of
miscarriage or early stillbirth delivery among pregnant women
who consumed more than moderate amounts of caffeine. There is also a
belief that caffeine stunts the growth of children and unborn
babies. In 2013 another research showed that women who consumed
caffeine had increased risk of delivering babies with lower birth
weight.
 Neurological
and cardiovascular system effects in children and
adolescents: According to the study "An emerging
adolescent health risk: caffeinated energy drink consumption
patterns among high school students.", the association
of energy drinks with other potential negative health and
behavioral outcomes suggests that use of these products may
represent a marker for other activities that may negatively
affect adolescent development, health and well-being.
Sensation-seeking behaviour: A study of 8,200 high school students in
Atlantic Canada reported
depression
and showed, sensation seeking -- taking part in novel activities that provide
excitement -- also was higher among those who reported consuming energy drinks
compared to those who don't imbibe the caffeine-charged drinks.
Insomnia: Surveys collected by Joint Mental Health
Advisory Team 7 (J-MHAT 7) during Operation Enduring Freedom
in Afghanistan in 2010 indicated that Soldiers who reported
drinking three or more energy drinks a day were
significantly more likely to report sleeping ≤4 hours a
night on average than those consuming two drinks or fewer.
Those who reported drinking three or more drinks a day also
were more likely to report sleep disruption related to
stress and illness and were more likely to report falling
asleep during briefings or while on guard duty. Do not
consume Monster Energy drinks after lunchtime to avoid
complications when trying to fall asleep.
 Poor
dental health: Energy and sports drinks can damage tooth enamel, boosting
the risk of cavities, according to a new study. They erode or thin out the
enamel of the teeth, leaving them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
Increased risk of obesity, due to the high-sugar content of
energy drinks. Rigorous review and analysis of the literature (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
reveal that caffeine and other stimulant substances contained in energy drinks
have no place in the diet of children and adolescents. Furthermore, frequent or
excessive intake of caloric sports drinks can substantially increase the risk
for overweight or
obesity in
children and adolescents.
Risk of dangerous behaviour such as violence or unprotected sex, when
alcohol is mixed with energy drinks: A major concern, the researchers say, is
the number of young adults who mix energy drinks with alcohol. The EFSA study
found that this occurs among 71% of adults aged 18-29 who consume energy drinks.
Although energy drinks are a relatively new class of beverage, they are
quickly becoming as a central part of the partying subculture, particularly
among young people who commonly mix energy drinks with alcohol
Toxicity surveillance should be improved, and regulations of energy drink
sales and consumption should be based on appropriate research.
Ref:
Dated 22 October 2014
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