Energy drinks are beverages that contain ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, and herbal extracts designed to provide mental and physical stimulation.
Their popularity and consumption have grown exponentially in recent years, especially among young people.
However, concerns have emerged about potential dangers and side effects.
Key facts from a recent systematic review:
- 96,549 people who consumed energy drinks were evaluated across 32 studies. The mean age was 15 years old, with the majority being male (52%).
- The most commonly consumed brands were Red Bull (27%), Monster (23%), and Full Throttle (7%).
- Three-quarters of people reported drinking less than 1 energy drink per week. 20% drank 1 or more per week, and 1% consumed more than 1 per day.
- The main reasons for drinking energy drinks were to relieve fatigue, counter insufficient sleep, and for academic performance.
- Nearly half of energy drink consumers also mixed them with alcohol.
Source: Sports Health 2021
Energy Drinks: Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Included below are various side effects and adverse reactions reported in the systematic review.
Cardiovascular Effects
Common cardiovascular symptoms linked to energy drinks included tachycardia (accelerated heart rate), chest pain, and heart palpitations.
Tachycardia occurred in 12.5% of youth but over half of adults (56.6%) evaluated.
This is likely related to the cardiac effects of stimulants like caffeine.
While concerning, few met the criteria for a clinically serious adverse event.
Headaches & Neurological Symptoms
Headaches were the most common neurological complaint after energy drink consumption, affecting 20.9% of youth and 13.6% of adults.
Other neurological symptoms like dizziness, tremors, and seizures were reported less frequently.
Caffeine can dilate blood vessels in the brain initially, leading to headaches upon withdrawal.
The effects on neurons and pain pathways likely contribute to these findings as well.
Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances
Over a third of young people experienced insomnia or other sleeping problems after drinking energy drinks.
Adults still saw a quarter of users (~25%) report insomnia.
Caffeine is known to disrupt sleep-wake cycles, and ingredients like guarana magnify this effect.
Using energy drinks later in the day can delay bedtime and reduce sleep quality for many individuals.
Psychological Distress & Anxiety
Stress and depressive moods were very commonly reported in youth after energy drink consumption, which is concerning given their developing brains.
Up to a fifth also noted suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
While causation cannot be confirmed, stimulants may exacerbate anxiety and mood disorders.
More research is needed, but caution is warranted particularly in vulnerable populations.
Gastrointestinal Upset & Nausea
Abdominal pain and nausea affected up to 15% of young energy drink users.
Adults experienced GI upset more frequently, perhaps due to their greater caffeine dosage overall.
The combination of stimulants, sweeteners, and carbonation can influence gut motility and hydration status.
Muscle Pains
Almost 15% of youth and 10% of adults reported muscle pain, spasms, or twitches after consuming energy drinks.
Caffeine impairs calcium and potassium channels, resulting in muscular over-excitability.
Athletic individuals may be more susceptible to cramping and tightness from ingredients like taurine.
Dehydration
Given the diuretic effects of caffeine, around 20% of young energy drink consumers experienced dehydration or thirst.
But adolescents have lower total body water levels and higher fluid needs than adults, putting them at greater risk for dehydration with caffeinated beverages.
Kidney Effects
Increased urination was common, due to the effects of caffeine and sugars on renal functioning.
Adults were more prone to kidney pain as well, possibly reflective of greater stimulant exposure over time.
Youth are less likely to have underlying renal disease or dysfunction.
Long-term use needs monitoring for possible implications on kidney health.
Drug Interactions
Nearly half of energy drink users (~50%) also mixed them with alcohol, despite the risks of masking intoxication and increasing stimulant side effects.
Usage should be avoided with medications that interact with caffeine, like antidepressants.
Physicians should screen for energy drink intake when assessing medication efficacy and safety.
Risks of Overuse
Studies found more significant side effects with higher energy drink consumption, including suicide risks in youth drinking more than 1 per day.
Restricting youth access along with education on moderation and avoiding alcohol mixing may mitigate potential harms.
Adult usage should be limited to 200 mg of caffeine per day.
What are the takeaways re: side effects of energy drinks?
In summary, this review indicates that energy drinks can impact cardiovascular, neurological, renal, gastrointestinal, muscular, and psychological well-being, particularly in young people.
While energy drinks provide transient stimulation, they lack nutritional value and can disrupt normal functioning in developing systems.
Moderation and caution are warranted to avoid adverse health effects, especially in vulnerable populations.
Additional research is still needed, but increasing regulation of these beverages seems prudent based on current evidence.
References
- Study: Energy Drinks and Their Adverse Health Effects: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Authors: Ibrahim M. Nadeem et al. (2021)
