Are Energy Drinks Safe?

Recently, there have been serious health issues linked to energy drink.  The ever growing popularity and consumption of these products came on quickly. Are these drinks safe like manufacturers claim them to be?

Energy drinks are basically beverages that contain stimulants, like caffeine, and are supposed to be used to "enhance the physical and mental performance of the individual who consumes it." Many of the brands available on the market contain caffeine content far beyond those you would find in any other products.  Some brands have other stimulants mixed with caffeine to enhance its potency. According to reports, the appropriate amount of caffeine an adult should consume per day is about 400 milligrams. Only about 100 milligrams of caffeine is supposed to be consumed by adolescents. Several popular energy drinks contain up to 240 milligrams of caffeine in one serving. Most energy drinks contain a sufficient amount of sugar, which can lead to weight gain. What happens if an individual over consumes this beverage?

Excessive amounts of caffeine can:

• Raise blood pressure
• Cause irritability
• Increase heart rate
• Cause difficulty sleeping
• Cause nervousness
• Lead to indigestion
• Cause anxiety and related issues
• Result in dehydration
• Trigger seizures

Studies show that mixing energy drinks with alcohol is becoming popular and naturally more of a threat than just consuming an energy drink alone. Some of the adverse effects reported on the consumption of energy drinks with and without alcohol include:

• Heart attack
• Miscarriage
• Convulsions
• Hemorrhage
• Severe diarrhea
• Migraine
• Irregular heartbeat
• Impaired cognition
• Psychotic disorders
• Deafness

Energy drinks are not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart problems, women who are pregnant, and women who are breastfeeding.

For a healthy adult, an occasional energy drink should be fine. Instead of reaching for one of these drinks to boost your energy levels, opt for healthier options, like maintaining a healthy diet or physical exercise.