Products
Energy drinks are available today from numerous suppliers. The best known and first representative is the Red BullEnergy Drink launched in Austria in 1987, which has been released in many countries since 1994 (USA: 1997). The products are usually sold in 250 ml cans, but smaller and larger cans are also on the market. The main consumers are teenagers.
Ingredients
The ingredients of energy drinks include (selection):
- Caffeine, guarana
- Taurine
- Glucuronolactone
- Inositol
- Sugar, glucose or sweetener
- Vitamins, vitamin B complex
- Minerals
- Plant extracts, for example ginseng
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Citric acid
- Acidity regulators
- Flavors
- Colorants such as caramel
Many energy drinks have a high calorific value. A single can of classic Red Bull contains over 27 g of sugar, more than 6 pieces of sugar cubes.
Effects
Caffeine is primarily blamed for the stimulating effects. The typical content per can is 80 mg. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and respiration, promotes concentration and increases physical performance. Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid that is produced by the body itself and absorbed with food. The substance is found, for example, in meat and fish. Taurine is related to amino acids and is also referred to as such. It is involved in many metabolic functions and is important, among other things, for the function of the central nervous system, the heart, the muscles, for the flow of bile and for excretion.
Indications for use
As a stimulant in mental and physical exertion, against fatigue, weakness and lack of concentration.
Precautions
Energy drinks should be consumed with caution due to increased caffeine and sugar content. They are not suitable for children, pregnant women, and caffeine-sensitive individuals (e.g., people with cardiac arrhythmias or mental illness). They should not be mixed with alcohol. There is no consensus on the exact age limit. In some countries, sales to children and adolescents under the age of 16 are prohibited. When consuming large quantities and simultaneous exercise, undesirable effects cannot be ruled out.
Interactions
Energy drinks should not be consumed or should be consumed with moderation together with other beverages that also contain caffeine, for example, cola, coffee, guarana, or black tea. Medications and certain foods may also contain caffeine.
Adverse effects
Caffeine is psychoactive and can cause various side effects, especially when consumed in excess:
- Nervousness, agitation, hyperactivity, irritability, tremor (shaking), tension, anxiety.
- Sleep disorders
- Cardiovascular disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, palpable heartbeats, blood pressure elevation.
- Indigestion, diarrhea
- Urinary urgency
The risk for these adverse effects is increased in children and adolescents. Children should not consume energy drinks. Caffeine is addictive and triggers withdrawal symptoms such as a caffeine withdrawal headache or mood swings when discontinuing. See the article Caffeine Withdrawal. The acid and sugar in the drinks lowers the pH in the mouth and can promote the development of cavities and tooth damage. The many calories can cause weight gain with negative health consequences. The combination of energy drinks with alcohol, for example with vodka, is very popular. Actually, it is not provided by law. One reason is that the stimulating caffeine and sweet taste make people less aware of alcohol and its toxic effects. As a result, people drink more, which increases the risk of alcohol-related health problems and accidents. Furthermore, both substances promote the risk for cardiac arrhythmias.
