If your child ever approaches you asking for an energy drink, the answer should be a firm no. Recent studies highlight the risks associated with these beverages, especially for young individuals. A single 16-ounce energy drink can potentially lead to heart issues, even in otherwise healthy young adults.
Research has shown that consuming even 32 ounces of energy drinks can result in detrimental changes to blood pressure and heart function, far more severe than the effects of caffeine alone. So, while you might think a Diet Coke could be a safer alternative, it’s still essential to be cautious.
A study published in The Journal of the American Heart Association assessed the physical changes in a sample of 18 healthy adults after they consumed an energy drink and then a different beverage containing similar caffeine levels but lacking other additives. While energy drinks typically contain caffeine, the safety of their additional ingredients remains largely unexplored.
What are these other ingredients? In this particular study, participants ingested 320 mg of caffeine (equivalent to four cups of coffee), along with four ounces of sugar, various B vitamins, and a proprietary blend of taurine and other substances found in popular brands like Monster Energy and Red Bull. One product even bears the alarming name “Cocaine,” highlighting the questionable nature of some of these drinks.
Throughout the study, researchers monitored participants’ blood pressure and heart activity using EKGs for 24 hours following the consumption of both beverages. They discovered irregular heartbeats in those who drank the energy drink, while no such issues appeared after consuming the caffeine-only beverage. Blood pressure rose nearly five points after the energy drink, compared to less than one point with the other drink.
Between 2010 and 2013, over 5,000 cases of individuals experiencing adverse effects from energy drinks were reported to U.S. poison control centers, with almost half involving children who didn’t understand what they were drinking. Marketing strategies often target younger audiences, promoting energy drinks as tools for improved focus and performance, often endorsed by extreme sports athletes.
I was curious if my 12-year-old’s school sold these drinks and was relieved to find out they do not. However, it’s important to note that there are no age restrictions on purchasing them at stores or gas stations.
Even a single 16-ounce energy drink can elevate blood pressure and stress hormones, potentially putting young adults at risk for heart damage, as indicated by research from the Mayo Clinic. So perhaps it’s better to stick with safer options like coffee from Starbucks.
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In summary, it’s crucial to be vigilant about the health risks associated with energy drinks, especially for children and young adults. The potential effects on heart health and blood pressure far outweigh any perceived benefits.