Dangerous energy drinks with additives

Alcohol and additives make caffeine drinks like "monsters" dangerous

26/10/2012

At least since the scandal over the energy drink "Monster", the popular watchmakers are hotly criticized. Especially with young people, however, the strong caffeinated drinks are still in demand. If you believe advertising, the energy drinks are a harmless caffeine kick out of the can. However, experts warn against taking drinks in combination with alcohol and drugs, as they often become underestimated health risks to the heart and circulation. Excessive consumption of the pacemaker can cause symptoms such as palpitations and sweating, and even lead to circulatory collapse. The greatly increased caffeine content and additives such as taurine, inositol and glucuronolactone should be responsible for this.

Five dead because of energy drink in the US
Now that five people have died after consuming the caffeinated Monster drink, the US Food Inspectorate is now investigating the manufacturer. Shelly Burgess, spokeswoman for the agency, said that a possible link between energy drink consumption and deaths is taken very seriously. However, there is no proof so far.

In December 2011, after a 14-year-old died of cardiac arrhythmia after consuming two doses of "Monster" in December, her parents filed a lawsuit against producer Monster Beverage Corporation last week. The amount the girl had drunk contained 480 milligrams of caffeine, the family lawyer said. In the autopsy report, the doctors noted "cardiac arrhythmia caused by poisoning with caffeine" as the cause of death. Soft drinks such as sodas should not exceed the maximum amount of 71.5 milligrams of caffeine per 0.35 liter in the United States. However, as energy drinks are considered a dietary supplement, this threshold does not apply to the awake-makers.

Energy drinks can fool drivers into "fitness"
For some time now, the drinks that are especially popular with teenagers are suspected of damaging health. The drinks have a strong stimulatory effect and can trigger symptoms such as palpitations, sweats, inner restlessness and nervousness. The high caffeine and sugar content and above all additives such as taurine, inositol and glucuronolactone could increase the toxicological effect of the drink according to experts. However, there is no conclusive scientific proof of the connection between the guards and health problems such as cardiac arrhythmias or kidney failure, as the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) reports.

Also the consumer center Hessen (VZH) warns of energy drinks. VZH nutritionist Schaff points out that on average, as much caffeine as one to two cups of coffee is contained in the drinks. Dr. Wolfgang Wesiack, President of the Professional Association of German Internists (BDI) advises drivers especially from the consumption of drinks. Instead, he recommends sufficient fluid in everyday life, especially water, adequate exercise and enough breaks. This is usually sufficient as a "fitmaker" and not only healthier, but also more effective for everyday working life. Especially for drivers, care should be taken and not to be deceived by the deceptive "fitness" feeling after consuming energy drinks. Motorists are then no longer fit to drive, as well as people who have drunk alcohol.

Energy drinks could trigger cardiovascular disease
Especially people who use energy drinks on a regular basis have a major impact on their cardiovascular system. In people who already suffer from pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmia, the symptoms could severely worsen, warns Wesiack. The internist advises children, pregnant women, and nursing women in general to refrain from consuming drinks because they are more sensitive to caffeine. According to the BfR so-called "Engeryshots", which have a significantly higher caffeine content, the most dangerous and should be avoided by people with cardiovascular problems in any case.

In combination with alcohol, "energy drinks can also become an incalculable health risk". Subjects showed in a study that they "could no longer realistically assess their responsiveness after consuming alcohol and energy drinks". In the worst case, it can therefore come to a significant overestimation of their own performance, which can have serious consequences in a critical situation.

Since May 2012, legally stipulated maximum quantities for certain ingredients apply in Germany. In addition, energy drinks must be specially marked. For example, the indication "increased caffeine content" and a caffeine content in milligrams per 100 milliliters must be indicated on each pack and beverage card. (Ag)

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