What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- MayoClinic.com: Taurine
- MayoClinic.com: Energy Drinks
- MayoClinic.com: Workout Energy Drinks
- Harvard School of Public Health: Sugar in Drinks
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Why People Shouldn't Drink Energy Drinks
Energy drinks often advertise an increased level of alertness, assistance with workouts and recovery, and an added boost needed during the day 2. It is important to realize that these claims have not been approved by the Federal Drug and Food Administration and that energy drinks can actually pose health risks 2. If you drink energy drinks often be sure to discuss brand name and content with your doctor 2.
Energy Drinks Contain Taurine
Taurine, a popular ingredient in energy drinks, is an amino acid that supports neurological development and helps regulate the level of water and mineral salts in the blood explains MayoClinic.com 12. Little is known about the side effects of supplementing with Taurine and it is not recommended to intake more than 3,000 mg a day. Drinking energy drinks throughout the day can easily exceed this limit and put strain on the kidneys as they filter this supplement 2.
High Caffeine Content
Negative & Positive Effects on People Who Drink Energy Drinks
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Energy drinks contain a large amount of caffeine that can increase heart rate, which over time can increase the risk stroke and heart disease according to Milwaukee School of Engineering 2. Over consumption of drinking energy drinks and caffeine can also lead to nervousness, irritability, headaches, nausea, sleeplessness, and has been associated with birth defects in pregnant women 2. It is important to discuss caffeine intake with your doctor.
Sugar
Energy drinks have a large amount of sugar that can lead to weight gain 2. MayoClinic.com explains that this is especially true for people who drink energy drinks, struggle with their weight and don't exercise regularly 12. The Harvard School of Public Health rated popular drinks and based on their sugar content they caution that energy drinks should be drunk infrequently and sparingly due to over 45 g of sugar per 12 oz 23. servings.
Dehydration
How Much Sugar Is Common in Soft Drinks and Gatorade?
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Energy drinks themselves can be dehydrating, and often people replace drinking water with the drinks 2. MayoClinic.com states that some studies even suggest that the caffeine and sugar content in energy drinks may increase the risk of dehydration especially if they are being used during exercise 12. Dehydration can lead to muscle soreness, headaches, nausea and fatigue. It is important to pay attention to side effects, and to drink extra water if energy drink supplements are being used.
- Energy drinks themselves can be dehydrating, and often people replace drinking water with the drinks 2.
- It is important to pay attention to side effects, and to drink extra water if energy drink supplements are being used.
Related Articles
References
- MayoClinic.com: Taurine
- MayoClinic.com: Energy Drinks
- Harvard School of Public Health: Sugar in Drinks
- Higgins JP, Tuttle TD, Higgins CL. Energy Beverages: Content and Safety. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010;85(11):1033-1041. doi:10.4065/mcp.2010.0381
- Seifert SM, Schaechter JL, Hershorin ER, Lipshultz SE. Health Effects of Energy Drinks on Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults. Pediatrics. 2011;127(3):511-528. doi:10.1542/peds.2009-3592
- Terry-McElrath YM, OʼMalley PM, Johnston LD. Energy Drinks, Soft Drinks, and Substance Use Among United States Secondary School Students. J Addict Med. 2014;8(1):6-13. doi:10.1097/01.ADM.0000435322.07020.53
- Alsunni AA. Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects. Int J Health Sci. 2015;9(4):468-474.
- Vo K, Neafsey PJ, Lin CA. Concurrent use of amphetamine stimulants and antidepressants by undergraduate students. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:161-172. doi:10.2147/PPA.S7460210.2147/PPA.S74602
- Bruckauf Z, Walsh SD. Adolescents' multiple and individual risk behaviors: examining the link with excessive sugar consumption across 26 industrialized countries. Soc Sci Med. 2018;216:133-141. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.08.029
- Benton D. The plausibility of sugar addiction and its role in obesity and eating disorders. Clin Nutr. 2010;29(3):288-303. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2009.12.001
Writer Bio
Ashley Schwader is a certified personal trainer through ACE and a certified Pilates and group instructor through AFAA. Her background includes personal training, nutrition, weight management, corporate wellness, and health promotion. She earned a Bachelor of Science in health and exercise science, from Colorado State University.