1. Cardiac Arrest: While our
Caffeine Calculator can show people how many energy drinks at one time would be
lethal, this formula doesn’t apply to everyone. Those with underlying heart
conditions have gone into cardiac arrest after just a few energy drinks. Before
drinking energy drinks or caffeine, be sure to know your heart’s health.-A new
study showed that energy drinks cause more forceful heart contractions, which
could be harmful to some with certain heart conditions.- One study showed that
between 2009 and 2011 there were 4854 calls to poison control centers regarding
energy drinks. 51% of these calls were involving children. src– Another study
shows the link between energy drinks and cardiac events among teens. This study
recommends that teens consume no more than one 250 ml energy drink per day and
not before or during sports or exercise. Study link.
2. Headaches and Migraines: Too many energy drinks can lead to severe headaches
from the caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Changing the amount of caffeine you
ingest daily can cause more frequent headaches.
3. Increased Anxiety: Those with 2 different genetic variations in their
adenosine receptors are prone to feeling increased anxiety when consuming
caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks. Larger doses of caffeine can even
spur on full blown panic attacks.
4. Insomnia: Energy drinks do a good job of keeping people awake, but when
abused, they can cause some people to miss sleep all together. This lack of
sleep causes impaired functioning and can be dangerous to drive or perform other
concentration heavy tasks.
5. Type 2 Diabetes: Because many energy drinks are also very high in sugar, they
can eventually wear out the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, which leads
to type 2 diabetes.
6. Drug Interaction: Some of the ingredients in energy drinks can interact with
prescription medications especially medications taken for depression.
7. Addiction: People can become addicted to caffeine and energy drinks. This can
lead to lack of functioning when unable to have the energy drink or a financial
stress from having to buy several energy drinks daily.
8. Risky behavior: There was a study published in The Journal of American
College Health which showed that teens are more likely to take dangerous risks
when high on caffeine. This could result in injury or legal trouble.
9. Jitters and Nervousness: Too much caffeine from energy drinks causes some
people to shake and be anxious. This can interfere with performing needed tasks
or cause emotional issues. A study out of Perth, Australia found that even just
one 250ml energy drink can increase anxiety in young men.
10. Vomiting: Too many energy drinks can lead to vomiting. This causes
dehydration and acid erosion of teeth and esophagus if frequent.
11. Allergic Reactions: Because of the many ingredients in energy drinks
reactions could occur, from minor itching to airway constriction.
12. High Blood Pressure: Caffeinated products like energy drinks can elevate a
person’s blood pressure. For those with normal blood pressure this isn’t
concerning, but those with already elevated blood pressure could be placing
themselves at risk of stroke and other health problems related to hypertension
if they consume too many energy drinks in a short period of time. The research.
A more recent study conducted by The Mayo Clinic found that Rock-star Energy
Drink (240 mg version) significantly raised the blood pressure of study
participants compared to the placebo drink. Overall, there was a 6.4% increase
in average blood pressure.
13. Niacin Overdose: Niacin (Vitamin B3) is placed in most energy drinks at
levels that cause no harm and can even be therapeutic. However, if a person is
taking additional supplements containing Niacin, overdosing on the vitamin is
possible when consuming energy drinks in addition to those supplements. Symptoms
include; Skin flushing, dizziness, rapid heart rate, vomiting, itching, gout and
diarrhea.
14. Stress Hormone Release: A study conducted by The Mayo Clinic found that a
240 mg version of Rock-star Energy Drink caused an increase in stress hormone
release. The neither average nor epinephrine level of the participants increased
by 74% while the placebo only caused a 31% increase.