Energy Drinks & Caffeine: Recent Review
March 27, 2012
This is a summary of a review by Wolk et al concerning the negative effects of energy drinks (Current opinion in pediatrics: Mar 19, 2012).
The popularity of Energy drinks and other energy products has grown exponentially over the last few years.
Their use is not without risk and this review by the scientists discusses them in relation to younger consumers.
Energy drinks are normally loaded with simple sugars, caffeine and other active ingredients. But it’s Caffeine, Wolk et al argue, that may be the problematic active ingredient in energy drinks.
Excessive consumption of caffeine in adolescents may cause, amongst others:
- Intoxication, resulting in tachycardia, vomiting & cardiac arrhythmias.
- May raise blood pressure & disrupt adolescent sleep patterns.
- Exacerbate psychiatric disease & cause physiologic dependence.
Toxicity of energy drinks. Wolk BJ, et al. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2012 Apr;24(2):243-51.
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