Humankind adores products that enhance and better their productivity. Over the years, research on increasing productivity and bodily performance has improved. Body enhancers vary from pills to beverages. Energy drinks are one such. They boost body activity immediately or minutes after consumption. Sure, they have proven to get the job done, but how well do you know the components? The adverse effects of frequently consuming such mentally stimulating drinks aren’t as prevalent as the benefits. This article breaks down the potential side effects of long-term consumption of energy drinks.
What are energy drinks?
Energy drinks contain caffeine. They are commonly sold in two sizes, the 16-oz bottle and a smaller 2-oz bottle. Caffeine content ranges from 50mg to 505 mg per can (1, 2).
As exercise and fitness become trendier, energy drinks are sometimes called sports drinks (3). Sports drinks aren’t energy drinks. They serve different purposes and contain different constituents. Sports drinks help rehydrate athletes and replace lost electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.
Adolescents and young adults consume energy drinks twice as much as most people. Two-thirds of energy drink consumers are 13-35 years old, with the male gender predominating this range (4).
The marketing strategy has shifted from athletes to these age groups. Generally, consumption has increased worldwide, and it is the most sought-after beverage after alcohol.
However, with people consuming two to five cans per day, the adverse effects of energy drinks are sidelined. Energy drinks aren’t under strict regulations, and as such, it raises concerns.
How safe are they? Do they have any effect on the body system?
This article will answer all your questions. Keep reading to discover the side effects of energy drinks and if you should keep consuming them.
Composition of Energy Drinks
Like some beverages, energy drinks primarily contain natural and synthetic mixtures. Some of the most popular elements amongst most brands are:Â
Caffeine (50mg-500mg) per bottle.
Taurine
Glucuronolactone
- Vitamins
- Guarana (Brazilian Cocoa)
- Ginseng
- Artificial sugars
- Antioxidants
- Ginkgo Biloba
- I-Carnitine
- YohimbeÂ
Side Effects of Energy Drinks
Sure, energy drinks boost physical performance. Frequent consumption of energy drinks daily is becoming a global concern. There are several types of energy drinks available in the market, but one has to be careful.
Below are the side effects of prolonged consumption of energy drinks:
Increased cardiovascular activity
Due to the high caffeine content, there is an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. The body automatically derives a mechanism tolerating the high caffeine content upon consumption (5).
Frequent intake of energy drinks increases heart rate and blood pressure due to the increased activity of the heart. The heart pumps twice the amount of blood to the system after consuming energy drinks. It also causes arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) after prolonged consumption (6).
Alongside caffeine, guarana, also known as Brazilian cocoa, is often included in energy drinks to supplement the function of caffeine. Brazilian cocoa increases total caffeine content and tremendously boosts performance (7).
Subsequently, caffeine blocks adenosine producing gland, which aids rest and promotes the production of the happy hormone, dopamine (8).
It takes 6 hours for the effect of caffeine to leave the body (9). Energy drinks also reduce endothelial functions of the heart and stimulate platelet activity (10).
Long-term consumption of energy drinks may lead to carbon dioxide retention and hypoxia (low oxygen content in the blood) due to the high glucose content (1).
Some studies have shown that energy drinks correlate with causing atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) in adolescents and young adults (11).
Dehydration
Consumption of energy drinks occurs mainly during a few work hours or before sporting activity. This way, the body prepares for the rapid boost ahead.
However, energy drinks lack enough water content to provide the body with the necessary hydration it needs.
Dehydration is the stage after the sensation of thirst is felt and not treated. It causes a lack of concentration, skin dryness, tiredness, dizziness, etc. (1). Avoid taking such drinks after an extended exercise in a hot environment.
The high levels of caffeine increase water retention by the kidneys and cause dehydration. Due to caffeine addiction, people often drink more energy drinks to quench their thirst.
Studies have shown that due to the high level of caffeine, natriuresis also occurs (excretion of excess sodium in the urine) (12).
Dental Health
Energy drinks contribute adversely to your dental health due to the high levels of caffeine. Like alcohol, some people who often consume them sometimes have tooth discoloration.
It also accounts for 2 to 4 folds of dental erosion over time due to the high content of non-reducing sugars like sucrose (13).
Energy drinks also increase dental hypersensitivity by depleting the protective layers of the teeth (14).
They contain so much sugar, it weakens the enamel. When the enamel depreciates in function, it leads to hypersensitivity and the entrance of germs into tooth cavities. These germs cause premature tooth decay.
Addiction
Consumption of energy drinks is popular among ages 11 to 35. According to research, 24% to 57% of people in this age group often take energy drinks for other purposes besides improving strength and performance (5). We’re all guilty of this one.
In 2007, 290 million gallons of energy drinks were consumed in the United States alone. Addiction is most common among teenagers and young adults. These drinks are taken with food and as a form of relaxation (1).
Weight Gain
Energy drinks have a large number of artificial sugars and additives. Frequent intakes of energy drinks cause gradual weight gain.
Weight gain might not be noticeable for athletes and physically active people. This is because it’s usually shed during routine workouts and sporting rounds.
Consistent intake increases insulin sensitivity due to increased blood glucose levels after consumption.
Sedentary people are at a higher risk of obesity. People living a sedentary lifestyle don’t work out and seldom engage in physical activities.
Due to the high sugar content, it lowers the expression of intestinal bacteria that helps combat obesity (15).
Anxiety
Energy drinks are psychoactive stimulants. As such affects cognition and mental function. Long-term use can affect behavioral changes and mood.
Individuals who consume more than two cans daily are prone to caffeine intoxication. Some symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and periodic muscle twitching (16).
It also affects anxiety levels and mental evaluation. Genetic variations expose some people to a higher chance of anxiety and panic attacks, while some effectively manage such situations (17).
Adenosine receptors regulate relaxation and anxiety in the body. A person that usually consumes energy drinks will always be on edge due to the variation in these receptors. They are always nervous and more likely to experience panic attacks.
As mentioned earlier, it genetically varies among individuals. Some people might do well while consuming energy drinks daily, while some might react badly to such intake.
Can pregnant women take energy drinks?
During pregnancy, the activity of the liver becomes low, and caffeine lingers for an extended amount of time. It can also affect the child’s developing cardiovascular and nervous systems (18).
Conclusion
Excess intake of such beverages might spike bodily activities and break down the body system over time.
In essence, consume energy drinks in moderation. Cut down on daily consumption by taking gaps. Speak with your nutritionist or medical doctor if you’re experiencing such symptoms or side effects.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4682602/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18809264/
- https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-014-0046-7\
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351290934_Benefits_and_Side_Effects_of_Energy_Drink_Consumption_among_University_Students
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2966367/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5714807/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4399916/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4373791/
- Caffeine: How Long Do Its Effects Last? (webmd.com)
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36680442/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7641491/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4587593/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8601704/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3599422/?report=reader
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3258644/?report=reader
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25010189/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4892220/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6520888/
Zahra Simpa
Related Posts
Multivitamin, Probiotic, Omega 3 – Don’t Let Dietary Supplement Selection Overwhelm You
12 Essential Nutrients for Pregnancy- Your Plate Guide
