Cracking Open Misconceptions: Current Perspectives of Energy Drinks

by Mary Kopchick, P3

heightened stress and anxiety, riskseeking behaviors, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, and an increased risk of metabolic conditions and type 2 diabetes mellitus.2 Considering this evidence, it is advisable to consume energy drinks in moderation, as the long-term risks appear to outweigh the benefits.

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Phenylephrine is known to be a “decongestant used to relieve nasal pressure and stiffness often associated with a cold or allergies.”1 It became popular among over-the-counter cough medicine to replace pseudoephedrine, a drug limited by a law passed in 2006 due to its ability to be processed into methamphetamine if purchased in bulk.

However, pseudoephedrine has been proven to work in the past when treating congestion, in terms of metabolization and approval by the FDA through clinical trials.

Removing over-the-counter cough medicine such as Sudafed, Dayquil, and Mucinex from shelves could leave consumers wondering where to find

Energy drinks are a ubiquitous sight in convenience stores, vending machines, and college campuses. They boldly claim to boost your energy, enhance your performance, and improve your mood. But are they really as beneficial as they claim to be? Or are they hiding some potential adverse effects that consumers should be aware of?

Energy drinks are a type of dietary supplement that contains substantial amounts of caffeine, sugar or artificial sweeteners, and other non-nutritive stimulants such as taurine, L-carnitine, and B vitamins. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that functions primarily as an adenosine receptor antagonist, among other mechanisms. Adenosine is an endogenous neurotransmitter that modulates several physiological processes, including the sleep-wake cycle. Adenosine naturally accumulates throughout the day as energy (or ATP) is expended; increased levels of adenosine lead to a heightened need for sleep.1 As such, blocking adenosine receptors alleviates fatigue. Moderate caffeine consumption, defined as up to 400 mg/ day, is widely considered to be safe and is even associated with several benefits such as enhanced learning, memory, and mood.3

Fortunately for energy drink enthusiasts, there is some promising news. Several studies have demonstrated that energy drinks have temporary benefits including increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and enhanced physical activity performance, particularly in young adults. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that energy drinks may be associated with several adverse health effects, including

Going forward, it is important to be mindful of the following factors: understanding how to decipher nutrition labels to aid informed decision-making, recognizing comorbidities or medications that warrant caffeine restriction, and advocating for vulnerable populations that are targeted by aggressive product marketing campaigns. Lastly, to mitigate the public health challenges posed by energy drinks, it is prudent to include transparent labeling of the caffeine and sugar content, clearly specifying the daily caffeine limit, and providing comprehensive education to patients regarding the risks and benefits of energy drinks. Communicating these recommendations can help guide patients toward safer energy drink consumption and mitigate the unwanted adverse effects associated with their use.

References

1. Adenosine and Sleep. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/adenosine-and-sleep. Published Jun 10, 2022. Accessed November 5, 2023.

2. Al-Shaar L, Vercammen K, Lu C, et al. Health Effects and Public Health Concerns of Energy Drink Consumption in the United States: A Mini-Review. Front Public Health. August 31, 2017. Accessed November 5, 2023

3. M. McLellan T, Caldwell J, Lieberman H. A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. November 16, 2016. Accessed November 5, 2023.