Energy drinks have been the subject of debate for nutritionist due to the vast ingredients they carry and a range of side effects that follow. Energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster, contain high levels of caffeine, which is a stimulant. They have become increasingly popular over the last 20 years, especially with young people, with many clubbers mixing them with alcohol. Although there is no standard definition of an “energy drink”, it is taken to mean a non-alcoholic drink that contains caffeine, taurine (an amino acid) and vitamins, in addition to other ingredients.
Energy drinks are marketed for their perceived or actual benefits as a stimulant, for improving performance and increasing energy. Companies often have sponsorship deals with extreme sport franchises, presumably to sell the message that energy drinks are “edgy and energetic”. Consuming energy drinks in the midst of athletic activity doesn’t improve athletic performance. In fact, it could be potentially dangerous for athletes. The high levels of caffeine and sugar found in energy drinks actually have a dehydrating effect. Don’t mistake energy drinks for sport drinks. Avoid consuming them directly before, during or immediately after engaging in rigorous physical activity.
The list of side effects of drinking energy drinks can be a lengthy one and includes from minor headaches to sleep deprivation or in extreme cases insomnia. Potential risks associated with energy drink consumption also include caffeine overdose (which can lead to a number of symptoms, including palpitations, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, convulsions and, in some cases, even death), type 2 diabetes – as high consumption of caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity. Late miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women can also result due to excessive energy drinks drinking. Neurological and cardiovascular system effects in children and adolescents and somewhat ironically, given their association with sportiness, obesity is also a side effect of drinking energy drinks.