6 Major Side Effects of Energy Drinks To Keep in Mind

Energy drinks were first introduced in Europe in 1987, and since then, their popularity and usage have soared, with hundreds of brands crowding the global market. Are energy drinks genuinely what they’re touted to be – a refreshing, energizing beverage for a fitness conscious society? Or is a health crisis looming behind their cool, sporty image?

Energy drinks may have firmly planted themselves in our everyday diet, but there is also increasing concern globally over their consumption and impact. Why so? For one, energy drinks are extremely popular among young people. In the US alone, 12–17 year-olds constitute 31 percent and 18–24 year-olds 34 percent of regular energy drink consumers.

# Caffeine Overdose

The health concerns around energy drinks focus to a large degree on their caffeine content. A 16-oz can of energy drink delivers about 70 mg to 200 mg of caffeine at the very least to your system.

# Energy Highs And Lows

Thanks to the sugar and caffeine content, regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to energy highs followed by crashes. Among teens, disturbed sleep and poor attentiveness a day after drinking these beverages have also been reported.

# Weight Gain

Ironically, for a product with a “sporty” image, energy drinks bring in the risk of obesity in the long term. A 16-oz can usually contains about 220 calories, most of it coming from the high sugar content.

# Insulin Resistance

The large amount of sugar in energy drinks can also lead to insulin resistance. Over time, the body’s ability to produce sufficient insulin to regulate blood sugar levels decreases. Regular consumption of energy drinks could even lead to the onset of diabetes.

# Dehydration, Fainting, And Weakness

These tend to occur when energy drinks are consumed exclusively during bouts of extreme exercise or sports, without water and other fluids. Instead of hydrating the body, the high levels of caffeine in energy drinks can affect the kidneys’ capacity to retain fluids, leading to increased urination and, therefore, dehydration. Reduced sweating may also lead to a dangerous spike in body temperature. Dehydration and high body temperature can have dangerous consequences such as kidney failure, muscle breakdown, and heat stroke.

# Dental Problems

High sugar levels in energy drinks can also potentially wear down tooth enamel and lead to dental decay.Energy Drinks. American College of Medical Toxicology. The acidic nature of energy drinks can also cause dental cavities and dental erosion, leading to hypersensitivity.