Dangers of Energy Drinks
Caffeine is commonly used in today’s society to get energy or to feel more alert. While coffee has been around for hundreds of years and is still the most common caffeinated drink in the world, energy drinks have been gaining popularity over the last few decades.
Energy Drink Hazards
Overconsumption of caffeine and other energy-producing ingredients found in energy drinks such as taurine, can lead to health issues. In a study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration over a four year period they found a ten-fold increase in hospital-related emergency room visits due to energy drink consumption. People aged 18-24 had the highest number of ER visits, followed by those aged 26-39. 58% of the visits resulted from energy drinks only, and the other 42% were with a combination of other drugs such as prescription pills or alcohol.
Another study focused on cases that involved health abnormalities like irregular heartbeat, while some documented neurological problems like seizures. According to the researcher, studies have shown that caffeine and taurine, both common energy drink ingredients, intensify each other’s effects. That may cause calcium to build up in the heart cells, which can cause those vessels to constrict.
Other symptoms created by excessive energy drink consumption are:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heart arrhythmia
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Nervousness
- Irritability & restlessness
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Tooth decay
- Headaches
Common Energy Drink Caffeine Amounts
Many experts believe daily caffeine consumption is perfectly fine for healthy adults. The Mayo clinic states that up to 400mg a day of caffeine appears to be safe for most individuals. Energy drink caffeine levels vary greatly, and consumers must also take into account the additive effect of other ingredients such as taurine. Some common energy drinks and their caffeine amounts:
Red Bull 12oz- 111 mg
Monster 16oz- 160mg
Rockstar 16oz- 160mg
Other Considerations Before Drinking Energy Drinks
While the levels of the above energy drinks are well under the 400mg mark, there are other considerations you must take into account.
Know the content of caffeine from other sources, such as coffee or soda, that you may be drinking during the day.
Know your limit when it comes to caffeine. Some people are more sensitive to it than others.
Consider what kind of work you will be doing. Intense labor work can already be putting a strain on your heart and body before adding in an energy drink.
Consider your working environment. Drinking energy drinks before working in a hot or stressful working environment may not be the best choice.
Summary
Be aware of what you are putting into your body. While all experts do not condemn drinking energy drinks, most recommend consuming no more than one per day. Energy drinks can have negative side effects and put you more at risk for heart troubles, especially for those working intense labor jobs or in stressful work environments.
Kendall asks employees to not drink energy drinks during working hours. It is well known and documented that drinking a combination of water and electrolyte-type of drinks are the best way to minimize the potential for heat related illnesses.
