The ever-increasing billion-dollar energy drink industry continues to grow in popularity, and net worth – but at what cost? As consumption increases across all age groups, so does concern (especially within the scientific community). There is no denying the evidence: consuming energy drinks is a cause for alarm. Researchers are only beginning to scratch the surface, unearthing the long-term effects of these beverages on our body. The World Health Organization describes energy drinks as “non-alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine, vitamins, and other ingredients for example, taurine, ginseng, and guarana. They are typically marketed as boosting energy and increasing physical and mental performance.” It is no secret that these ingredients put strain on our bodies, and hearts. According to a study conducted by Germany’s Boon University, these drinks attribute to more than 20,000 emergency room visits per year in the United States alone. And this number is only climbing, doubling in the past
few years.
A study released by Brown University shows that “Energy drinks contain large doses of caffeine and other legal stimulants like guarana and ginseng. The amount of caffeine in an energy drink can range from 75 milligrams to over 200 milligrams per serving. This compares to 34 milligrams in Coke and 55 milligrams in Mountain Dew.” Stimulants boost heart rate and blood pressure in addition to dehydrating our bodies and preventing sleep – which can trigger seizures and other serious health effects. With ingredients like these, it is no wonder the FDA has issued warnings for these beverages. Sutter Gould’s Doctor Carlos H. Delgado warns that the high content of sugar (between 10-16 teaspoons of sugar or 250 calories in a 16 oz. can) and caffeine (up to nine times the amount found in a cup of coffee) in each energy drink attributes to obesity and Type Two Diabetes. In addition, consuming such beverages contributes to an increase of cardiac arrhythmia seen in teens, as well as seizures, tachycardia, migraines, insomnia, addiction and increased ER visits.
”There is no doubt that energy drinks are harmful,” says Dr. Delgado, “I do everything possible to steer my patients away from them. The high concentration of sugar will lead to obesity due to the high caloric content and if there is a family predisposition to Diabetes, then the drinks can also make this condition manifest.” Elevated concentrations of caffeine can affect the heart, but the problem is the way these drinks are consumed. “Coffee is usually sipped, whereas these energy drinks are chugged. Therefore, these drinks deliver a much larger concentration of caffeine in a much shorter amount of time. The caffeine overload is the cause of tachycardia (elevated heart rate) and can trigger seizures, and if taken late in the day, they will case insomnia,” explains Delgado. While research is still limited, one thing remains certain for Dr. Delgado and many other physicians. “These drinks are not regulated by the FDA and so, they don’t always publish everything they contain – that alone is dangerous.”
As for the ingredients on the labels, Dr. Delgado explains, “Ginseng actually decreases physical performance by decreasing blood sugar levels, the Taurine is an amino acid – considered to be safe up to doses of less than 3000 mg/day. However, Ginko Bilova is found to cause thyroid and liver cancer in mice and long terms effects on humans are still not clear. Carnitine (another amino acid) in quantities greater than three grams per day may cause gastro intestinal distress and seizures.” He urges the public to remember that these are not “Energy drinks” they are stimulants that serve to just give a jolt. The good news is that there are alternatives to keeping energy levels high throughout the day. Eating healthy snacks every two to three hours replenishes energy while keeping muscle mass and burning fat. “I recommend the basic trilogy: eat healthy, sleep for six to eight hours each night and exercise 30-45 minutes a day three to five days a week, with a combination of cardio and resistance,” suggests Delgado. For a quick boost, he adds, “a protein snack, natural juices, fruits, regular coffee (no more than two cups a day), or green or black tea. Don’t forget water, on average four to six bottles of water a day should be enough, eight or more if you have a physically demanding job or sporting activity, and for these high demand activities – throw in a Gatorade to replenish the electrolytes.”
For More Information:
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
Carlos Delgado, DO: Family Physician
2505 W. Hammer Ln., Stockton, (209) 957-7050