Energy Drinks Pose More Risks Than Benefits

Energy drinks, although very popular and easily available, have been subject to speculation of posing more risks than benefits.

"Energy drinks typically feature caffeine and a combination of other ingredients, including taurine, sucrose, guarana, ginseng, niacin, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin," says Stephanie Ballard from Nova Southeastern University.

Caffeine and Decaffeination - Facts - Negative Effects - Reference
Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant alkaloid commonly found in many of the products we consume daily. Excess intake of caffeine can lead to symptoms similar to substance addiction.

"Caffeine has been consistently been observed to enhance aerobic performance, although its effects on anaerobic performance may vary," she added.

The impact of energy drinks on weight loss has different theories. Some data suggest that combined with exercise, they may lead to weight loss. However, other studies suggest that users may get addicted to caffeine, with increasing calorie-burn and weight loss.

However, being loaded with sugar, energy drinks may be contributing to the obesity epidemic alongside less caffeinated, sugary drinks like soda, warned Ballard.

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"For the National Collegiate Athletic Association, athletes are considered to be doping if urinary caffeine is greater than 15 µg/mL, which is about the same as drinking eight cups of coffee, each containing 100 mg of caffeine," Ballard said.

Caffeine has been reported to cause insomnia, nervousness, arrhythmias, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and childbirth complication, gastrointestinal upset and death.

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Students have been asked to be careful about consuming high-caffeine energy drinks in order to mug for exams or perform well in sports events

But small amounts can be safe and still boost performance.

"Caffeine in amounts of up to 6 mg/kg may produce benefits with low risk of adverse effects," she added.

Dangerous Levels Of Caffeine Found In Oz Childrens Energy Drinks
More than three quarters of energy drinks sold in New South Wales, which are easily available to children, contain illegal levels of caffeine, reveal a new survey.

The study was published in a recent issue of The Physician and Sportsmedicine.

Source-ANI