You grab one in the morning to start your day, one for those late nights studying, one before you work out, and one just for a buzz. While many people prefer to get their jolt from the more conventional coffees, teas, or sodas, energy drinks have their fair share of consumers too.
What is an energy drink? It’s usually a carbonated beverage containing a large amount of sugar and caffeine, as well as guarana (a natural caffeine source) and taurine (an amino acid first isolated in bulls). Many energy drinks feature additional ingredients or nutritional supplements such as antioxidants, herbal stimulants and brain-enhancing drugs called nootropics.
The concept originated in Thailand, where rickshaw drivers would drink a beverage loaded with taurine to boost their strength. Red Bull was inspired by the Thai beverage, introduced to the United States in 1997. While an eight-ounce cup of coffee contains about 105 – 192 mg of caffeine, a can of energy drink can contain up to 280 mg, depending on the brand. Keep in mind, a moderate caffeine dosage is considered to be 200 to 300 mg per day. When a craved boost won’t come soon enough from a black coffee, many turn to energy drinks to battle fatigue and improve concentration and performance. But do the risks outweigh the benefits?
Multiple studies have examined the effects of caffeine and energy drinks on the body. Researchers have discovered that those who regularly consume these beverages experience an increase in heart rate of eight per cent on the first day, and eleven per cent by the seventh day. Caffeinated beverages are known to increase blood pressure levels, and doctors recommend that those with a heart condition or high blood pressure steer clear. Even for the heart-healthy, high consumption can result in a range of side effects such as anxiety, difficulty sleeping, palpitations and tremors. Contrary to popular belief, energy drinks are not recommended for consumption during exercise, as they are dehydrating. For the same reason, it’s potentially dangerous to mix energy drinks with alcohol.
Most of the above symptoms are associated with high caffeine intake, unspecific to energy drinks alone. However, according to sports dietetics specialist Cynthia Sass, “Most of the energy drinks contain high-tech sounding ingredients that are not controlled substances, of no value, and potentially harmful in large amounts. Energy drinks contain multiple stimulants that, when combined, can be dangerous and have a very powerful effect on the body. Most people know how much caffeine they can tolerate, but may not be familiar with the effects of some of the other ingredients.”
Given the controversies surrounding these potent beverages, scientists are only beginning to discover the true physiological effects. While a can of Red Bull may keep one alert for a much-needed 2 a.m. study session, perhaps you should stick with Chai tea.
