Ingredients Of Energy Drinks Research Articles

Research on the level of awareness and consumption of energy drinks among students aged 18-25

Introduction and purpose: The article focuses on the analysis of young people's awareness of the consumption of energy drinks, especially those containing caffeine. The aim of the study is to understand the level of knowledge about the awareness and consumption of energy drinks among students aged 18-25. This study was conducted using surveys and involving 202 participants. Material and Methods: The study was conducted using online anonymous surveys, involving 202 participants. The participants were students aged 18-25 both women and men. The results were analyzed according to the age and gender. Moreover, based on the available literature examining aspects related to the consumption of energy drinks.Results: The study shows that the vast majority of respondents (94.06%) are aware of the impact of energy substances on the body. The charts also illustrate that caffeine, as the main ingredient in energy drinks, is well understood in terms of cardiovascular effects. Moreover, the student community is aware of the link between excessive sugar consumption and the risk of cancer development. Discussion: The study shows that young people are aware of the negative impact of energy drinks on health. Nevertheless, not all areas of knowledge are clear to them. The continuous increase in the level of education can undoubtedly contribute to the introduction of healthy eating habits among students. Most respondents declare to drink energy drinks again, it should draw our special attention.Conclusions: It is worth noting the need for further education, especially in the field of metabolic syndrome. It also highlights the role of research and education in shaping public health awareness. Finally, the article suggests that further research and targeted educational programs are critical to improving public health, especially in the context of energy drink consumption.

The implications of alcohol mixed with energy drinks from medical and socio-legal standpoints.

Co-ingestion of energy drinks and alcohol has long been in practice and has been poorly regulated despite a growing body of literature of their potential negative health impacts. Co-ingestion of energy drinks with alcohol has multiple counter-active effects such as reduction of body sway, fatigue and sedative effects induced by alcohol, along with increased subjective feeling of alertness, which may lead to increased binge-drinking, intoxication, decreased perception of intoxication, dehydration, and alcohol poisoning. Adding energy drinks to alcohol may also have synergistic effects in causing alcohol dependency and addiction. The association between caffeine, a common active ingredient in energy drinks, and alcohol is relatively well defined, however association with other active ingredients such as taurine, niacin, and pyridoxine, is less understood, pointing to a gap in our knowledge regarding this practice. Nonetheless, the current associations between AMED (Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drinks) and risky behavior secondary to intoxication and cases of alcohol poisoning have led various national governing bodies to regulate this practice. This review highlights the potential effects of AMED on human physiology based on what is known from human and animal models, and sheds light on specific biochemical interactions between alcohol and active ingredients found in energy drinks; Caffeine, Taurine, and Glucuronolactone. The review also touches on the regulation of this practice around the world, and the impact it has on its users, and points researchers to gaps in our knowledge on the interactions between alcohol and EDs and the full extent of their effects.

A Key Metabolic Regulator of Bone and Cartilage Health.

Taurine, a cysteine-derived zwitterionic sulfonic acid, is a common ingredient in energy drinks and is naturally found in fish and other seafood. In humans, taurine is produced mainly in the liver, and it can also be obtained from food. In target tissues, such as the retina, heart, and skeletal muscle, it functions as an essential antioxidant, osmolyte, and antiapoptotic agent. Taurine is also involved in energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Taurine plays a considerable role in bone growth and development, and high-profile reports have demonstrated the importance of its metabolism for bone health. However, these reports have not been collated for more than 10 years. Therefore, this review focuses on taurine–bone interactions and covers recently discovered aspects of taurine’s effects on osteoblastogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, bone structure, and bone pathologies (e.g., osteoporosis and fracture healing), with due attention to the taurine–cartilage relationship.

Cardiovascular risk of energy drinks: Caffeine and taurine facilitate ventricular arrhythmias in a sensitive whole-heart model.

Several case reports have suggested an increased risk of sudden cardiac death due to energy drinks. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess acute electrophysiologic effects of caffeine and taurine, two of the main ingredients of energy drinks, in an experimental whole-heart model. Twenty-five rabbit hearts were excised, retrogradely perfused, and assigned to two groups. Hearts were perfused with caffeine (2, 10, and 50 µM) or taurine (2, 10, and 50 µM) after generating baseline data. Eight monophasic action potentials and electrocardiography recordings showed a significant abbreviation of action potential duration (APD90 ), QT interval, and effective refractory periods (ERP) after caffeine treatment. With taurine, cardiac repolarization duration and ERP were significantly shortened. A ventricular vulnerability was assessed by a predefined pacing protocol. With caffeine, we observed a trend towards more ventricular arrhythmias in a dose-dependent manner. After treatment with taurine, significantly more episodes of ventricular arrhythmias occurred. In this experimental whole-heart study, treatment with caffeine and taurine provoked ventricular arrhythmias. The underlying mechanism was an abbreviation of cardiac repolarizations and effective refractory periods that may facilitate re-entry and thereby provokes arrhythmias. These findings help to understand the potentially hazardous and fatal outcomes after intoxication with energy drinks.

Napoje energetyczne wśród młodzieży — tendencja i mechanizmy farmakologiczne niekorzystnego wpływu na układ sercowo-naczyniowy. Przegląd literatury

Energy drinks contain several ingredients with primarily stimulating effects. Consumption of these drinks greatly increased in the last several years, especially among young people. Recently, scientists focused on investigating their safety. Apart from its desirable effects like boosted mental and physical performance, studies show that energy drinks can also cause adverse effects, which currently remain not well described. The purpose of this article was to present current trends in energy drink consumption among young adults and to describe the mechanisms of adverse effects, which might be caused by it. The ingredients of energy drinks, like caffeine, consumed in high doses ( > 200 mg/day), were shown to cause shaking, dizziness, heart palpitations, and sleep disorders. The excessive consumption of energy drinks can also lead to electrolyte imbalance, and heart-related diseases, e.g. myocardial infarction. It is essential to familiarise oneself with the composition of the energy drinks and follow the recommendations for maximum daily intake of substances contained in these drinks. In addition, it is necessary to raise awareness of pharmacological mechanisms of possible side effects and to further the research on the consumption of energy drinks, especially among young people.

Central Nervous System Stimulants Limit Caffeine Transport at the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier.

Caffeine, a common ingredient in energy drinks, crosses the blood–brain barrier easily, but the kinetics of caffeine across the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) has not been investigated. Therefore, 127 autopsy cases (Group A, 30 patients, stimulant-detected group; and Group B, 97 patients, no stimulant detected group) were examined. In addition, a BCSFB model was constructed using human vascular endothelial cells and human choroid plexus epithelial cells separated by a filter, and the kinetics of caffeine in the BCSFB and the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a neuroexcitatory agent, were studied. Caffeine concentrations in right heart blood (Rs) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were compared in the autopsy cases: caffeine concentrations were higher in Rs than CSF in Group A compared to Group B. In the BCSFB model, caffeine and 4-AP were added to the upper layer, and the concentration in the lower layer of choroid plexus epithelial cells was measured. The CSF caffeine concentration was suppressed, depending on the 4-AP concentration. Histomorphological examination suggested that choroid plexus epithelial cells were involved in inhibiting the efflux of caffeine to the CSF. Thus, the simultaneous presence of stimulants and caffeine inhibits caffeine transfer across the BCSFB.

Severe Rhabdomyolysis Due to Strenuous Exercise With a Potential Role of a High-Caffeine Energy Drink

Caffeine is the core ingredient in energy drinks. These drinks are commonly consumed by athletes around the time of their workout to boost energy levels. The patient in the case presented is a 40-year-old-man who developed severe rhabdomyolysis after consuming an energy drink with high content of caffeine prior to a strenuous workout. He was successfully treated with isotonic intravenous solutions. Clinicians should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with the use of energy drinks.

Habits of Energy Drink Consumption among Teens in Slovenia - Focus Group Findings.

IntroductionTeachers in Slovenia have been noticing the increased consumption of energy drinks among pupils. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate habits that contribute to the frequency of energy drink consumption.Method36 teens participated in the study: elementary school pupils (6th and 8th grades), general upper secondary school pupils, and secondary technical school pupils (1st and 3rd year). In the course of the study 6 group interviews were held to help investigate young people’s habits and their reasons for energy drink purchase and consumption. Moreover, we investigated the influence of age on the consumption and knowledge about energy drink ingredients, as well as their influence on the body.ResultsInterview analysis showed that energy drink consumers are predominantly secondary school pupils. Their choice most frequently depends on the price, their taste, or the brand. What influences elementary school pupils’ purchasing decisions are price, packaging, and advertisements, while secondary school pupils choose their drinks according to the lack of energy and how tired they feel. The predominant factors preventing energy drink consumption are health problems among family members and friends. Secondary school pupils know more about energy drink ingredients than elementary school pupils.ConclusionOn the basis of these findings, we will design a survey questionnaire for Slovenian teenagers and teachers, didactic material, and suggestions for improving educational programmes.

Ankle complex musculature adaptations after Energy Drinks consumption in healthy young adult

Over the past few years, energy drink consumption has increased among students aged 18–34 years. Energy drinks alter the balance, reduce blood flow and interfere with neuromuscular activation in the lower extremities. We attempted to determine which specific additive of three different drinks (red bull, rockstar, and bang) could contribute to changes in muscle activation of the ankle complex. Twenty healthy young adults aged 22–28 years were included in this study and allocated among 3 groups, red bull, rockstar, and bang. Neuromuscular data were obtained from EMG sensors positioned on the anterior tibialis and gastrocnemius before completing the four balance tasks. Each participant completed all the tasks before and after the 16-ounce Edrink. ANOVA was performed to compare the data before and after the beverage. Statistical significance was set at P <0.05. A trend was observed in red bull and bang groups revealing a faster anterior tibial activity and prolong activation for gastrocnemius. The rockstar group also showed a more rapid activation trend and shorter response during all tasks for the gastrocnemius. It appears that the additives found in Redbull and Bang produce an increased posterior sway, indicated by the faster activity observed on the anterior tibial muscle. On the other hand, the elements encountered in rockstars provoke anterior movements, creating the need for a quicker response from the gastrocnemius muscle. Further research is required to explore certain energy drink ingredients' effects on dynamic activities such as walking.

Consumption of energy drinks among high school students

Introduction and purpose of work: In recent years, drinking energy drinks has gained popularity among young people. High school students as a group of people entering adulthood, shape their habits and behaviors for the future. Therefore, their abuse of energy drinks at such a young age can lead to addiction and consequently, result in health problems. The aim of the work is to examine the drinking habit and awareness of high school students about energy drinksMaterial and method: The results of the survey were obtained on the basis of an online survey.Results: 812 respondents, aged 15-19, took part in the survey. 32.8% of high school students drink energy drinks occasionally, 16.4% of respondents reach for them several times a week, while 27.1% do not consume them. Only 30.2% of respondents correctly indicated the main ingredients of energy drinks. 87.9% of respondents say that you can get addicted to energy drinks. 40.5% of high school students reached for energy drinks for the first time at the age of 11-13, while 7.4% have not yet tried them. The vast majority of respondents (65.1%) choose energy drinks because of their taste. The promotion of energy drinks by celebrities encouraged only 7% of high school students to choose this type of drink.Conclusions: High school students are not aware of the composition of energy drinks. The main reason for reaching for these types of drinks are their taste, and the effects resulting from the action of caffeine and taurine go down the line. Both advertising and current trends in drinking energy drinks do not prove to be decisive when reaching for this type of stimulant. Teenagers are aware of the possibility of becoming addicted to energy drinks.

Cardiovascular Effects of Energy Drinks in the Pediatric Population.

Consumption of energy drinks in the pediatric population is correlated with more emergency department visits and causes adverse reactions, such as neurological, psychiatric, gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular effects. These cardiovascular complications include increased cardiometabolic risk with high intake of sugar, short-term blood pressure increases and a decrease in cerebral blood flow due to the caffeine content, increased or decreased blood pressure from taurine, unmasked cardiac conditions, such as channelopathies, and atrial and ventral fibrillations. Cardiovascular complications can also arise when energy drinks are mixed with pharmaceutical drugs, such as amiodarone, potent CYP1A2 inhibitors, warfarin, digoxin, or corticosteroids. Combining energy drinks with alcohol also precipitates adverse cardiovascular events, posing a risk to the health of children and adolescents. This review further explores the ingredients in energy drinks and their mechanism of action in causing these cardiovascular complications.

The metabolic disorders associated with chronic consumption of soft and energy drinks in rats.

Energy Drinks (EDs) and Soft Drinks (SDs) are widely consumed among adolescents and young adults. These drinks contain variable amounts of caffeine which is a central nervous system stimulator; in addition to sugar, taurine, vitamins and herbal extracts. Several adverse effects have been reported for the excessive consumption of caffeine and sugar. This work aimed at providing a comparison between the effect of chronic consumption of both drinks on metabolism biochemically as well as at the histopathological level. Adult albino rats were randomly divided into three groups and treated for 4 weeks. Animals received water (control, group 1), 12.5 ml/kg/day of either Pepsi® (SD, group 2) or Power Horse® (ED, group 3). All animals had free access to water and standard animal chow. ED and SD groups showed a significant weight gain compared to control. ED animals showed a significant increase in serum urea, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in comparison to control and SD groups. Serum uric acid significantly increased in ED and SD groups. ED group showed congestion and inflammation in their renal tissues in addition to splenomegaly and increased phagocyte infiltration. The high caffeine-sugar content in ED exerts a more significant influence on the metabolic pathways than SDs. Both increase the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and tissue inflammation due to their effect on lipid profile and blood glucose. The other ingredients in EDs may play a role in the observed metabolic disturbances. Chronic use of EDs should be especially discouraged to avoid these negative effects.

Energy drinks

PurposeThis research aimed to study patterns of energy drinks (ED) consumption among university students and to identify the determinants for their preferences.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 students from various departments of Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, by convenience sampling. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect data.FindingsAbout 52.3 per cent of the students were between 21 and 23 years of age, and half of them were male. More than half (53 per cent) of the students had consumed ED at least once in their lifetime. Only 22.1 per cent of these consumers had any knowledge of the ingredients in ED, and 4.3 per cent did not know the possible negative impacts. Bivariate analysis was performed to identify the variables significantly associated with ED consumption among students. The risks of ED consumption were found to be: male gender (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.04; 95 per cent Confidence Interval (CI) = 2.36–6.92), father educated up to SSC (OR = 18.47; 95 per cent CI = 2.30–148.90) or college and above (OR = 17.01; 95 per cent CI = 2.31–135.60), smoker (OR = 3.87; 95 per cent CI = 1.61–9.35) and doing irregular physical activity (OR = 2.43; 95 per cent CI = 1.23–4.78).Originality/valueED consumption among university students is high, but their perception regarding the ingredients and potential health hazards is opaque. Therefore, it is imperative that at both community and individual levels, interventions should focus on educating and empowering individuals to make firm and positive decisions concerning their dietary habits and health.

The Influence of Energy Drinks on Lower Limb Neuromuscular Timing and Postural Sway in Healthy Young Adults

Energy drinks have become popular during the last few years. Many researchers explain the benefits the beverage has on sports or college settings. Other studies focused on the negative position of these drinks, such as reducing blood flow and balance alterations. Various modifications related to energy drink intake might be at a more system and physiological level, like the central nervous system and neuromuscular control. Purpose: This study aims to ascertain the influence of a standard 16-ounce energy drink on neuromuscular timing and standing postural compensation of young, healthy adults while performing a series of complex dual-motor tasks. Methods: Nine females and four males were recruited, screened, and signed the informed consent to be studied for this work. All participants were apparently healthy young adults with no underlying conditions that could potentially impact muscle activation and balance. The Tibialis anterior and Gastrocnemius neuromuscular timing data were collected with surface EMG electrodes. Accelerometers and gyroscopes were used to collect postural sway data. Subjects were asked to execute four balance tasks pre-energy drink consumption, and the same tasks were repeated post energy drink consumption to equate data points. Results: Postural Sway was comparable before and after energy drink intake. Neuromuscular timing data indicates modifications of nerve conduction on the Tibialis anterior and Gastrocnemius musculature. Conclusion: We infer that the ingredients in energy drinks, including guarana and B-vitamins, are altering nerve conduction velocity in postural muscles. Future studies should research the influence of energy drinks in different scenarios and different populations.

Can Functional Beverages Serve as a Substantial Source of Macroelements and Microelements in Human Nutrition?-Analysis of Selected Minerals in Energy and Isotonic Drinks.

Studies on the ingredients of energy drinks and isotonic drinks focus mainly on the evaluation of their content in terms of substances modulating the body's metabolism or those regarded as food additives. Having regard to the widespread availability of these beverages, their diversity and the limited number of studies in this area, the aim of this study was to analyse the contents of F, Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, V, Co, Ni, Zn, Bi and Na in the energy drinks and isotonic drinks available in the Polish market. Fluorine concentration was analysed using an ion-selective electrode. The other elements were analysed using ICP-OES. Obtained results showed that functional beverages need to be taken into account as a source of macroelements and microelements in human nutrition, particularly when ingested often and in large quantities (which applies particularly to the young population). Moreover, due caution needs to be maintained in consumer choices.

The Effect of Energy Drink Ingredients on Cardiovascular Function in Men and Women 18-39 Years Old

The Effect of Energy Drink Ingredients on Cardiovascular Function in Men and Women 18-39 Years Old

Energy drink constituents (caffeine and taurine) selectively potentiate ethanol-induced locomotion in mice

Mixing alcohol with energy drinks has emerged as a popular trend over the last decade. However, epidemiological studies have found this consumption to be associated with increased hazards, such as binge drinking, increased alcohol-related harm and risk of developing alcohol use disorder. The mechanisms underlying these effects are not clear, but much attention has been attributed to caffeine. However, taurine, another common ingredient in energy drinks, has also been associated with the dopamine elevating properties of ethanol, and may in this respect contribute to the increased liability associated with the mixture of alcohol and energy drinks. In the present study we measured locomotor activity, a phenomenon previously linked to the dopamine activating and reinforcing properties of the drug, following acute systemic administration with caffeine (1, 5, 15, 30 mg/kg), taurine (30, 60, 300, 600 mg/kg) and ethanol (1.75, 2.5, 3.25 g/kg), alone or in combination. We found that ethanol and caffeine, but not taurine, increased locomotion compared to vehicle. In addition, when combined with ethanol, caffeine, but not taurine, increased the locomotor stimulatory effect of ethanol. Furthermore, the combination of caffeine and taurine were able to further enhance the ethanol-induced locomotor response. Eleven days of intermittent caffeine exposure produced a sensitized response to the caffeine-induced locomotion, but did not alter the additive effect produced by the combination of caffeine and taurine on ethanol-induced locomotion. Based on the present study we suggest that the combination of caffeine and taurine, at a specific dose range, enhances the locomotor stimulatory properties of ethanol, a phenomenon previously linked to the reinforcing properties of the drug.

Nurses Consuming Energy Drinks Report Poorer Sleep and Higher Stress.

The energy drink consumption habits of nurses working in clinical settings is unknown. Utilizing a descriptive-comparison design, researchers examined the caffeine and energy drink habits of clinical nurses and relationships or differences that existed with their sleep quantity, sleep quality, and perceived stress levels. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Significant relationships existed between energy drink consumption and sleep quality, sleep quantity, and perceived stress levels. Nurses who consumed energy drinks had poorer sleep quality and fewer sleep hours compared with caffeine-only consumers and noncaffeine consumers. Nurses who consumed energy drinks also had increased levels of perceived stress than noncaffeine consumers. Educating nurses regarding energy drink ingredients and relationships that exist between energy drink consumption, sleep, and perceived stress could be beneficial. Future studies are needed to examine motivational factors related to energy drink consumption as well as any health or safety implications that might be associated.

Relationship Between Energy Drink Consumption and Daily Hassles Among College Students

ABSTRACTBackground: College students report high levels of stress, which may be exacerbated by the psychoactive ingredients in energy drinks. Little is understood about the relationship between daily hassles and energy drink consumption. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between energy drink consumption patterns and daily hassles among college students. Methods: College students (n = 449) completed an online survey evaluating energy drink consumption and daily hassles using the Revised University Student Hassles Scale (RUSHS). Results: The most common reasons reported for consuming energy drinks were lack of energy (90.3%), lack of sleep (87.0%), and feeling tired (85.4%). No significant differences in daily hassles were found between energy drink consumers and nonconsumers. Energy drink consumption and daily hassles subscores varied based on demographic characteristics. Discussion: Results of this study did not support a relationship between energy drink consumption and perceived daily hassles. Further research is needed to understand the potential association between energy drink consumption and other determinants of mental health. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Education interventions should rectify misperceptions that energy drinks are effective when students miss sleep, need energy, and need to study for exams.

Effect of Alpinia galanga on Mental Alertness and Sustained Attention With or Without Caffeine: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

ABSTRACT Objective: Although Alpinia galanga has been reported to improve cognitive performance in animals, it has not been thoroughly studied for its potential psychostimulant effect in humans. A randomized, double-dummy, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study was conducted to determine the effect of A galanga on mental alertness and sustained attention in comparison with caffeine and placebo in participants with a habitual caffeine intake. Methods: Fifty-nine participants (18–40 years and body mass index of ≥18.5 and <25.00 kg/m2) with moderate caffeine consumption were enrolled. The participants had a Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score ≤7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≤14 and a Jin Fan's Attention Network Test alertness score of 50 ± 20 ms. The interventional product (placebo, A galanga proprietary extract [E-AG-01], caffeine, and a combination of E-AG-01 with caffeine) was administered to the participants, followed by sequential administration of the remaining interventions on the consecutive study visits; the effects on mental alertness, sustained attention, and sleep architecture, along with safety and tolerability, were analyzed by validated methods. Results: In the E-AG-01 group, the alertness score was increased by 11.65 ± 23.94, 12.50 ± 19.73, and 12.62 ± 0.68 ms from baseline at 1, 3 (p = 0.042), and 5 hours, respectively, indicating its efficacy to enhance mental alertness and the increase in alertness score as compared to placebo. In the composite group (E-AG-01 with caffeine), mean response time was significantly reduced, by 15.55 ms (p = 0.026) at 3 hours. Conclusions: A galanga (E-AG-01) induces a beneficial effect in mental alertness and the combination of A galanga with caffeine impedes the caffeine crash and improves sustained attention at 3 hours. Thus, these stimulant effects might yield a new usage for A galanga as a key ingredient in energy drinks or similar products.