ENERGY DRINKS: FIZZ & FACTS PART 2
Fizz & Facts Part 2
Energy drinks are not only consumed by sportspeople but also by young adults and teenagers. In the previous edition of Great Health GuideTM, the main reason for this high consumption of energy drinks is for a boost in energy. These drinks promote wakefulness, maintain alertness and possibly help with cognitive function and mood enhancement. But what are the health risks associated with consuming large quantities of these energy drinks which have large amounts of caffeine and sugar?
THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.
One of the most notable adverse effects of these energy drinks, is on the cardiovascular system where the caffeine has a significant effect on increase of heart rate and arterial blood pressure. This might be an acceptable side effect in small doses, but there is observational data to suggest that high doses of caffeine can lead young patients into an abnormal heart rhythm. These changes can lead to problems with rhythm and even risk of death. This is from a direct effect of the caffeine on the electrical cells of the heart.
THE ENDOTHELIAL LINING OF THE ARTERIES.
Caffeine also affects the special lining of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This lining of arteries allows transfer of nutrients from the bloodstream into the tissues. But it also has a special ‘Teflon’ lining, that keeps the blood flowing through the arteries without any of the components or particles of the blood sticking to the wall of the artery. This lining of the arteries is called ‘endothelium’. Some research has shown that high doses of caffeine, as seen in excessive use of energy drinks, can have an impact on the
endothelial function, affecting not only the possibility of components of the blood aggregating or clotting within the artery, but also changing blood pressures and running the risk of a blockage within the artery and subsequently a heart attack.
NEUROLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE.
For anyone who has had too many coffees during the day, the neurological effects from excess use of energy drinks will be the same. At caffeine doses above 200 mg for a standard adult, symptoms of anxiety or insomnia may occur. Patients may describe gastrointestinal upset, restlessness and some degree of agitation.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders actually has four caffeineinduced psyche or psychiatric disorders recognized. These disorders are:
1. Caffeine Intoxication, 2. Caffeine-Induced anxiety, 3. Caffeine-Induced sleep disorder, 4. Caffeine-Related Disorder.
There are some reports of hallucination and epilepsy with patients who consume greater than 300 mg of caffeine through energy drinks.
THE EFFECT OF SUGAR.
Due to the significant sugar load that most of these energy drinks contain, they also have an effect on the gastrointestinal and metabolic systems. Some researchers have observed tooth decay and also change to the gut microbiome, both caused by increased sugar load. Others have suggested that a detrimental change in insulin sensitivity is brought about by the combination of caffeine and high sugar. This can lead to weight loss and deranged metabolic processes for the person who uses these energy drinks in the long term.
DIURETIC EFFECT OF CAFFEINE & DEHYDRATION.
Energy drinks have a diuretic effect with water lost through the kidneys. So, you may dehydrate while exercising without being aware of it. Thus, the use of energy drinks must be balanced with water intake to minimize possible damage to the kidneys.
THE IMPACT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL PROCESSES: SLEEP & RISKY BEHAVIOURS.
Sleep is heavily affected. Anyone who’s been tired and wanted to try caffeine to keep awake would realize that it works. However, it works but leaves you
depleted the following day. So, there’s really no benefit and there is a cost the following day.
There have been studies looking at university age students who have engaged in frequent energy drink consumption at parties. There is no question about the association of energy drinks with risky behavior which could be either sexual, fighting or the use of drugs. Also, observed and documented by some researchers is the non-use of seatbelts in cars and lack of driver care.
ENERGY DRINKS MIXED WITH ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
One of the problems for energy drinks now, is how they are being marketed, as mixes with alcoholic beverages. Why this is so concerning is that the individuals consuming these mixed energy and alcoholic beverage drinks, are under the false impression that the energy drink offsets the detrimental effects of the alcohol. However, this is simply not true. It can cause a dangerous situation where the users of energy drink mixed with alcoholic beverages, have a false sense of bravado and a false assessment of risks of danger and their capabilities.
By consuming multiple energy drinks in combination with alcohol, raises significant concerns in terms of an individual’s physical and psychological health, plus their judgment or risk taking. The final take home message is that energy drinks are here to stay, but there are still aspects that we don’t fully understand in their use, particularly in younger people.
Dr Warrick Bishop is a cardiologist with special interest in cardiovascular disease prevention incorporating imaging, lipids and lifestyle. He is author of the book ‘Have You Planned Your Heart Attack?’, written for patients and doctors about how to live intentionally to reduce cardiovascular risk and save lives! Dr Bishop can be contacted via his website.