Massive health risk from energy drinks

Energy drinks are especially dangerous in combination with alcohol

31/01/2014

Those who consume more than half a liter of energy drink a day risk health problems. This was the result of a study by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). Thus, excessive consumption of energy drinks can lead to seizures, arrhythmia and kidney failure. Most are the „stims“ drunk to stay awake and productive longer.

Energy drinks are especially dangerous in combination with alcohol, sleep deprivation and exercise
In the BfR study „Event-related survey of high-consumption energy drinks“ The drinking behavior of energy drinks was investigated in discos, at music festivals, at sports events and at LAN parties. For the first time, the risk-increasing factors such as alcohol, sleep deprivation and physical exertion were taken into account in the study. The experts came to frightening results. Already more than half a liter of energy drink a day can be risky. „In some cases, up to five liters are drunk within 24 hours“, reports Professor Dr. Andreas Hensel, President of BfR. „Unwanted health effects of energy drinks are especially possible if you drink a lot of them, mixed them with alcohol, little sleeps or makes a physical effort.“ Cardiac arrhythmia, kidney failure and convulsions can be the result. Especially people who are sensitive to caffeine, according to the BfR according to endangered.

On LAN parys, up to five liters of energy drink are drunk within 24 hours
People who drink more than half a liter of energy drink within 24 hours are considered drinkers, according to the study. 508 of this „extremely consumers“ asked the BfR about their energy drink consumption in discos, at LAN parties as well as sports and music events. On average, respondents drink about a liter mixed with alcohol when dancing in clubs. According to the respondents, the highest is the energy drink consumption at LAN parties, where the participants stay awake for up to 48 hours. Up to five liters in combination with alcohol is partially consumed there within 24 hours. On up to four liters of energy drink mixed with alcohol, respondents bring it to music festivals and discos. Even at sports events, the average consumption was more than one liter.

As the BfR reports, in particular the combination of energy drinks and vodka was widespread among the respondents. The health risk, however, consider the least. Above all, the taste, the increase in performance and the alertness are important to consumers. Information from the manufacturers on the packaging is hardly considered according to the study. Above all, men between the ages of 20 and 25 are, according to BfR, one of the many drinkers of energy drinks at the aforementioned events.

Stimulants in energy drinks are harmful to your health
In addition to caffeine contain the „Stimulants drinks“ other stimulating substances such as taurine, inositol and glucuronolactone in high concentrations. Above all, caffeine can negatively affect the cardiovascular system. Children, pregnant women and people with cardiovascular diseases should generally not consume energy drinks. The stimulating effect of the drinks can cause tachycardia, convulsions and even strokes. Researchers already knew that in 2012 in the journal „Pediatrics“ pointed. Some products contain four to five times more caffeine than Coca-Cola.

Even when driving, caution is required. The energy drinks can fool a fitness that the consumer does not have, however, and so disguise a driving disability.

A few years ago, BfR advocated information on the packaging of energy drinks in order to draw particular attention to health risks for certain groups of persons such as children, pregnant and nursing mothers and cardiovascular patients and to warn them against consumption. Relevant information has now been enforced at EU level. The BfR also advises a label that indicates the harmful effects of drinks in connection with alcohol and physical activity. (Ag)