From the Guidelines
Energy drinks pose significant safety concerns due to their high caffeine content and other stimulant ingredients, and their consumption should be avoided, especially among children, adolescents, pregnant women, and individuals with heart conditions or sensitivity to stimulants. Current evidence indicates that excessive consumption can lead to adverse health effects including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and in severe cases, seizures or cardiac arrhythmias 1. A typical energy drink contains 80-300mg of caffeine, often combined with other stimulants like taurine, guarana, and B vitamins, creating a potent mixture that can overwhelm the cardiovascular system. The FDA considers 400mg of caffeine daily (about 4-5 cups of coffee) generally safe for healthy adults, but energy drinks can easily cause consumers to exceed this limit, especially when multiple servings are consumed 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Energy drinks are particularly popular among adolescents and young adults, with nearly two-thirds of teens reporting ever using energy drinks, and 31% of 12- to 17-y-olds reporting consuming energy drinks regularly 1.
- Caffeine, the most physiologically active ingredient in energy drinks, is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US FDA; however, adverse effects can occur with high intakes, the most common being effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems 1.
- The position of the AAP is that “stimulant-containing energy drinks have no place in the diets of children and adolescents” 1.
- The European Food Safety Authority advises that pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to 200 mg/d 1.
- Children and adolescents metabolize caffeine more rapidly than adults, and high caffeine intakes (e.g., >5 mg · kg body weight–1 · d–1) were associated with an increased risk of anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in children 1.
Overall, the current evidence suggests that energy drinks can have significant adverse effects on health, particularly among vulnerable populations, and their consumption should be approached with caution. The safest approach is to avoid energy drinks altogether, especially for high-risk individuals.
From the Research
Safety of Energy Drinks
The current evidence regarding the safety of energy drinks is a concern, with several studies highlighting the potential health risks associated with their consumption.
- Energy drinks typically contain high quantities of caffeine, simple carbohydrates, and other ingredients that can supply physiological energy and enhance feelings of alertness 2.
- However, excessive caffeine consumption has been linked to adverse reactions, including mild sleep disturbances, seizures, and even death 2, 3, 4.
- Studies have also shown that adolescents who consume energy drinks are more likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs 2.
- Energy drink consumption has been associated with an increased risk of seizures, acid-base disorders, and cardiovascular events 3, 4.
- Cases have been reported of young individuals experiencing hypertension, palpitations, and high blood pressure after consuming energy drinks 5.
- The toxicity of ingredients present in energy drinks, such as taurine, niacin, and pyridoxine, is less well defined, but high doses of caffeine and other ingredients can cause caffeine intoxication, resulting in tachycardia, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and death 6.
Health Risks
The health risks associated with energy drink consumption are significant, particularly for children and adolescents.
- Energy drinks can raise blood pressure, disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbate psychiatric disease, cause physiologic dependence, and increase the risk of subsequent addiction 6.
- Coingestion of caffeine and ethanol has been associated with increased risk-taking behaviors, harm to adolescent users, impaired driving, and increased use of other illicit substances 6.
- The high doses of caffeine and other ingredients in energy drinks can cause a syndrome of catecholamine excess, leading to severe health consequences 3.
Regulation and Research
There is a need for urgent research on the safety of energy drink use in children and adolescents, as well as regulation of pediatric energy drink use 6.