Risks Behind Energy Drinks

The fans of energy drinks should be more careful to choose products on the market. A study showed that the caffeine in energy drinks can be much higher than a cup of coffee. In addition, the caffeine in energy drinks is also potentially a greater risk, especially when mixed with alcoholic beverages.

"What we know now, energy drinks can contain a quarter cup of sugar and contain more caffeine than a cup of black coffee," said John Higgins, a researcher from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Texas, Houston, USA, which includes research in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings November issue .

Levels of caffeine in energy drinks can be very diverse, ie between 70 and 200 milligrams per 16 ounces of presentation. In comparison, 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 40-150 mg of caffeine, depending on how the coffee is brewed.

"Another issue the spotlight is not all ingredients in energy drinks listed on packaging labels. The materials of herbal stimulants like guarana, amino acid taurine, as well as herbs, minerals, and other vitamins that may interact with caffeine escape the label, "Higgins said as quoted by Reuters.

Concern is, how to mix these materials will affect heart rate, blood pressure, and even mental condition, especially when consumed in large quantities with alcohol or when consumed by athletes.

Higgins and colleagues reviewed the medical literature about energy drinks and its constituent materials between 1976 and 2010. Tim Higgins found only a few studies on the effects of it.

Several small studies, which are usually done on young adults who are active in physical activity, suggesting that energy drinks can increase blood pressure and heart rate. However, evidence of more serious effects such as heart attacks, seizures, and death is still considered as anecdotal.

Norway, Denmark, and France has recently banned the circulation of energy drink Red Bull after a study on rats show, "The rats were given taurine showed bizarre behavior such as anxiety and suicide."

"We are not rats. However, the consumption of these beverages has shown a positive relationship with high-risk behavior," wrote Higgis and colleagues.

Energy drinks are often promoted and used by athletes to get "extra boost". However, Higgins and his team said that energy drinks cause dehydration serious risk to users. It's based on how caffeine and other ingredients in affecting the human body.

"Water or low-octane sports drinks that contain electrolytes, minerals and carbohydrates to be a better choice," he added.

Higgins said, those who are not athletes should not drink more than one energy drink servings per day, do not mix with alcohol, and drink plenty of water after exercise.

"Those who have hypertension should not be guzzling energy drinks, and who have diseases such as heart disease should consult a doctor before taking them. Rule of energy drinks can be a long-term way to overcome problems that might occur," adds Higgins.

"The industry can mix anything in the drink, make ads attractive as possible, and people can mengonsumi anything. But if the situation continues like this, you will get into trouble," he said.