Consumer Center Beware of energy drinks

Energy drinks are a burden on the cardiovascular system

27/02/2012

Energy drinks are particularly popular with young people. But as harmless as the advertising promises the strong caffeinated drinks are not. When combined with alcohol and drugs, they often become underestimated health risks to the heart and circulation.

Energy drinks lead in the worst case to circulatory collapse
Energy drinks like "Red Bull" and "Flying Horse" are especially enjoyed on the weekend on the way to the party of teenagers. What many do not know - the caffeinated drinks can even lead to circulatory collapse. Consumers do not experience excessive consumption symptoms such as palpitations and sweats. Those are the consumer center Hesse (VZH) warns therefore urgently before the often after dissolved gummy bears tasting energy drinks.

„The drinks have nothing to do with a healthy food, "said VZH nutritionist Schauff on Sunday Caffeine, a lot of sugar, sweetener combinations and other additives and flavorings, such as the potentially harmful taurine, which is made from ox gall, are in the On average, drinks have as much caffeine as one to two cups of coffee.

Drivers should not leave the „Fitness feeling“ be fooled
But to increase performance, the drinks are not suitable. Dr. Wolfgang Wesiack, President of the Professional Association of German Internists (BDI) advises instead of energy drinks as „Fitmacher“ In everyday life to enough liquid - preferably water - appropriate exercise and to enough breaks. That is not only healthier, but also more effective for everyday working life. Especially for motorists is not to be deceived by the deceptive "fitness" feeling after consuming such drinks. This could have serious consequences. Motorists are then just as little fit to drive, as people who have drunk alcohol.

Especially with frequent consumption of energy drinks, the cardiovascular system can be heavily loaded. People who are already suffering from high blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmias may experience worse symptoms, the internist warns. „Children, pregnant women, nursing women and people who are sensitive to caffeine should avoid energy drinks.“

The partially serious side effects of energy drinks include nervousness, insomnia, nausea, headaches and cognitive disorders, warned the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment already in January 2010. Particularly dangerous are so-called „Engeryshots“, which have a significantly higher caffeine content. These should definitely be avoided by people with known cardiovascular problems. (Ag)

Also read:
Warning of high-dose energy drinks
Energy drinks can stress the heart and circulation
Dangerous caffeine powder continues in the criticism

Image: Barbara Eckholdt, Pixelio.de.