If you’re sipping on an energy drink while reading this, you may want to reconsider. Recent studies highlight that consuming just one 16-ounce energy drink can pose significant risks even to healthy young adults, potentially leading to heart damage. Research shows that drinking 32 ounces of such beverages can cause alarming changes in blood pressure and heart function—effects that are more severe than those linked to caffeine alone. So, maybe swap it out for a regular soda instead?
The findings, published in The Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed the physical effects on a group of 18 healthy individuals after they consumed energy drinks versus a caffeine-only beverage. While energy drinks are known for their caffeine content, there is limited information regarding the safety of the other ingredients present.
What Are the Additional Components?
In this study, participants ingested 320 mg of caffeine (equivalent to four cups of coffee), four ounces of sugar, various B vitamins, and a unique “energy blend” of taurine and other additives commonly found in brands like Monster Energy, Red Bull, and 5-Hour Energy. There’s even an energy drink named “Cocaine”—if you choose to drink that, well, that’s on you.
Researchers tracked blood pressure and conducted EKG tests to monitor heart activity for 24 hours following consumption of both drinks. Results revealed that those who drank the energy drink exhibited irregular heartbeats, unlike those who had just the caffeine beverage. Additionally, blood pressure spiked by nearly five points after the energy drink, contrasting with a minimal increase of less than one point with the caffeine-only option.
Health Risks and Marketing Targeting
Between 2010 and 2013, U.S. poison control centers reported over 5,000 cases of energy drink-related illnesses, with nearly half involving children who were unaware of what they were consuming. Marketing campaigns often target kids, promoting these drinks with promises of improved focus, reaction times, and athletic performance, featuring endorsements from popular athletes. When researching this topic, I even texted my 12-year-old to see if energy drinks were available at her school, and thankfully, they’re not. Unfortunately, there are no age restrictions preventing kids from purchasing these drinks in stores or gas stations.
Just one 16-ounce energy drink can elevate blood pressure and stress hormones, potentially endangering a healthy young adult’s heart, according to a 2015 Mayo Clinic study. So, it seems a regular coffee from your local café might be the safer choice.
Further Reading
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In summary, energy drinks pose significant health risks, especially for children and adolescents, and it is advisable for parents to say no to these beverages.