Hypertension in a young boy: an energy drink effect

An Overview on Flavor Extraction, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Significance, and Production of Herbal Wines

Wine has been utilized as a source for medicinal preparations, combined with various herbs, to treat particular ailments and disorders. By utilizing herb extracts, regular but limited consumption of these herbal wines helps to decrease the need for prescription medications to treat a variety of ailments. The diversity and the composition of the yeast micropopulation significantly contribute to the sensory characteristics of wine. A particular metabolic activity characterizes the growth of each wine yeast species, which determines the concentrations of flavor compounds in the final wine. Numerous herbs, such as tulsi, ginger, aloe vera, tea, amla, lemongrass, and peppermint, are used in the preparation of herbal wines, where either the herb or herbal blends are primarily used as the substrate. The variants provided improved accuracy, increased acceptability, and broader uses for the novel product. Herbal wines pave the way to provide nutraceuticals to consumers and protection against pathogenic microorganisms and inflammation through their richness in antioxidants. The existing herbal wines and their health advantages are discussed in this Review, along with some new directions for the herbal wine business.

The Dark Side of Energy Drinks: A Comprehensive Review of Their Impact on the Human Body

In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks by young adults and athletes has risen significantly, but concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. These concerns include cardiovascular problems, nervous system disorders, and the potential for addiction. This review aims to examine the reported effects of acute or chronic abuse of energy drinks on human health. The analysis shows a significant prevalence of adverse effects, particularly on the cardiovascular and neurovegetative systems. In particular, the analysis identified nine cases of cardiac arrest, three of which were fatal. The aetiology of these adverse effects is attributed to the inherent neurostimulant properties of these beverages, of which caffeine is the predominant component. A comparison of documented effects in humans with experimental studies in animal models showed an overlap in results. This review highlights the need for greater rigour in the assessment of sudden cardiac death, particularly in young people, as legal substances such as energy drinks may be involved. We propose stricter limits on the consumption of these beverages than for caffeine, based on the evidence found and the data in the literature. This review also calls for the establishment of regulations governing the consumption of these products in view of their potential impact on human health.

Energy drinks: effects on pediatric 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. A randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Energy drinks (EDs) are popular beverages among minors. To date, clinical studies investigating ED-induced effects on the pediatric cardiovascular system are sparse. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single, bodyweight-adjusted ED dosage on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in healthy children and adolescents.

METHODS

This study was a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial. Study participants received a single, bodyweight-adjusted ED amount or a placebo drink on 2 consecutive days at similar morning hours. Twenty-four-hour ABPM was assessed via an automated oscillometric blood pressure device after beverage consumption on both study days.

RESULTS

A total of 17 healthy children and teenagers (13.90 (12.29-17.89) years) were included in the final analysis. The ED consumption led, compared to the placebo intake, to a significantly higher 24-h systolic (115.90 (110.22-118.04) vs. 110.64 (108.09-115.45) mmHg, p = 0.013) and diastolic blood pressure (66.08 (64.20-68.32) vs. 62.63 (61.40-66.46) mmHg, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The single, bodyweight-adjusted ED consumption is linked with a significantly higher systolic as well as diastolic 24-h blood pressure in healthy children and adolescents. Minors, particularly those with an increased cardiovascular morbidity, should be discouraged from drinking EDs.

IMPACT

Energy drinks (EDs) are consumed by many children and teenagers. While adverse cardiovascular events after ED consumption were reported in the literature, the effects of these beverages on the pediatric 24-h blood pressure profile have not been systematically evaluated yet. In our manuscript, we demonstrate for the first time that acute ED consumption is associated with a significantly higher 24-h systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in healthy minors.

Energy Drinks Decrease Left Ventricular Efficiency in Healthy Children and Teenagers: A Randomized Trial

Background: Minors are considered the main consumer group of energy drinks (EDs). The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of ED consumption on left ventricular (LV) hemodynamics and efficiency in healthy children and teenagers. Methods: This study was a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial. Study participants consumed a weight-adjusted amount of an ED or a placebo on two consecutive days. LV hemodynamics and efficiency parameters were evaluated non-invasively by generating LV pressure−volume loops (PVLs) through simultaneous echocardiography and blood pressure measurement. Results: A total of 24 children and teenagers (14.90 ± 2.27 years, 13 male) were included in the present study. Conventional echocardiographic parameters of LV function did not show significant differences between both beverage groups. The non-invasive generation of LV PVLs revealed a significantly lower cardiac efficiency 240 min after the ED consumption compared to the placebo intake (140.72 (133.21−149.73) mmHg vs. 135.60 (124.78−140.33) mmHg, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Acute ED consumption is associated with a significantly lower cardiac efficiency in healthy minors. The generation of non-invasive LV PVLs might be beneficial in the assessment of subtle changes in LV efficiency. Further studies need to investigate the influence of chronic ED consumption on LV function and morphology.

Caffeine Intoxication Due to Antipyretic Analgesic Overdose in an Adolescent

Recently, high concentrations of caffeine present in energy drinks and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs have become a concern worldwide. Several deaths due to caffeine intoxication have been reported, necessitating caution. Typically, supportive care is used to treat caffeine intoxication. However, in severe cases of caffeine intoxication, hemodialysis may be used. For adults, a lethal blood caffeine concentration is at least 80 µg/mL, whereas lethal blood caffeine concentration is unknown for children. In the present case, a 15-year-old girl took a large dose of an OTC antipyretic analgesic to commit suicide, resulting in caffeine intoxication. In this case, even though blood caffeine concentration was higher than the adult lethal dose, the patient recovered through a simple treatment with intravenous infusion of extracellular fluid.

Acute effects of consumption of low-caffeine energy drinks on endothelial functions in healthy volunteers

OBJECTIVE

Energy drink consumption is increasing among the population, especially adolescents and young adults. The health effects of energy drinks are unknown. In this study, we investigate the effects of low caffeine energy drinks on endothelial functions assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery.

METHODS

Thirty healthy volunteers (15 men, 15 women) aged 19 to 46 years participated in the study. Flow-mediated dilation measurements of the brachial artery were performed and recorded per protocol. The volunteers were asked to drink 355 mL of energy drink containing 53.25 mg of caffeine after baseline measurements, and all measurements were repeated 60 minutes later. Baseline and post-energy drink values were compared.

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure (p=0.592), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.714), and heart rate values (p=0.056) were similar before and after the consumption of energy drinks. Preocclusion arterial diameters (p=0.236) and blood velocities (p=0.447) did not change after energy drink consumption. FMD levels were 9.2%±4.6% and 8.1%±4.7%, respectively, before and after energy drink consumption (p=0.176). Women had a 3% increase in preocclusion arterial diameters after energy drink consumption, whereas men had a 2.6% decrease (p=0.026) Conclusion: Low caffeine energy drinks containing 53.25 mg of caffeine/355 mL can did not have any influence on blood pressure, heart rate, or endothelial functions in healthy volunteers.

Prevalence and Perceived benefits of energy drink Consumption in medical students

Background: To assess the energy drink consumption patterns and perceived risks and benefits among medical students. The present study was carried out on 332 medical students from Foundation University Medical College. All the students enrolled in foundation university medical college were invited to participate. 332 students, who gave their consent were enrolled in the study. Data was collected by distributing a preformed structured questionnaire among medical students present in their classes. Data was entered and analyzed on SPSS version 17. Results: Out of 332 students 307 (92.5%) said that they were familiar with energy drinks whereas 212 (63.9%) admitted to consuming energy drinks. sting and the red bull came out to be the most popular brands. 78 (36.7%) students said mental awareness to be the main motivator for energy drink consumption. The majority (94.3%) of the study population were aware of the untoward effects of energy drinks experienced. The most common of them was insomnia, students (49.05%) experienced it. 91 (42.92%) of the students said that their parents don’t object to their taking of these drinks. Conclusion: Although the consumption of energy drinks was common among medical students, the knowledge of ingredients and health risks of energy drinks among them was unsatisfactory. Keywords: Energy drink, Medical students, Caffeine, Frequency of consumption.

Energy drinks and population health: consumption pattern and adverse effects among Saudi population

BACKGROUND

Caffeine containing energy drinks (EDs) are heavily consumed, particularly among young adults. The number of reports of caffeine intoxication from caffeinated EDs and problems related to caffeine dependence and withdrawal is increasing. The objective was to assess the knowledge and perceived beneficial effects of EDs consumers, to assess consumption patterns and determine the adverse effects experienced by different EDs consumer groups residing in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional study with data from a randomly selected Saudi population was conducted during the period of January 15th, 2015, to April 15th, 2015, using a pre-tested 43-item questionnaire. The data were obtained and collected using interview questionnaires. Sociodemographic characteristics and data on EDs consumption patterns, the level of awareness among study subjects, and the purported benefits and reported adverse effects of EDs were collected. Frequency, percentage, and arithmetic means were calculated using Chi-square and ANOVA tests, and data with p < 0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

Of the 816 individuals invited to participate in the study, 783 participants responded and completed interviews, response rate was 96%. Consumers attributed the popularity of EDs to massive advertising media (46.7%) and their stimulating and invigorating effects (37.5%). EDs are consumed by subjects for their effects on fatigue reduction (64.6%), increased alertness and focus (75.8%), and assistance during long driving trips (75.7%). Study subjects reported suffering from adverse effects, including mainly diuresis (53.7%), palpitations (50.7%), insomnia (50.7%). Importantly, an inverse association was identified between knowledge of EDs and consumption rate, and a proportional association was identified between experienced adverse effects and consumption frequency. Lower knowledge scores were identified in daily consumers than in 1-3 times monthly consumers; higher adverse events were experienced by daily consumers than by 1-3 times monthly consumers. The majority of consumers (84.6%) recommended that authorities should regulate EDs consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive EDs consumption is associated with an increased risk of experiencing several adverse events, which is commensurate with published studies. Increasing knowledge about EDs and their possible risks could decrease their consumption by the general public.

European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society Statement on the cardiovascular events associated with the use or abuse of energy drinks

Energy drinks are increasingly used by young people and young athletes in order to improve their performance alone or in association of other substances, particularly alcohol. In recent years, a number of reports of reports have raised attention on the side-effects associated with the use or abuse of energy drinks particularly serious cardiovascular events. The European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS) has undertaken a systematic and critical review of reported data on cardiovascular events including life-threatening arrhythmias with or without cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular events, and discussed in this review the possible causal effect of caffeine and other ingredients contained in energy drinks and the reported events. Twenty-two cardiovascular events were reported in association with the use or abuse of energy drinks. The European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society would like to draw attention on the possible cardiovascular complications that may occur with the consumption of these beverages and to emphasize the prevention measures to be taken particularly in the young population. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to clarify the possible role of energy drinks in inducing the cardiovascular events reported.

Decrease in Lipid Droplets in Adrenal Cortex of Male Wistar Rats after Chronic Exposure to Energy Drinks

Background and objectives: Energy drinks are popular non-alcoholic beverages. They are consumed in large amounts, mainly by active, young people. Although they are easily accessible and marketed as safe, numerous cases of adverse effects have been published, including cardiac arrest, arrythmias, acute hepatitis, and renal failure. The aim of the current study is the assessment of energy drink influence on the histological structure of adrenal cortex in rats. Material and Methods: 15 male young Wistar rats were equally divided into three groups: control (C), experimental (E) and reversibility control (RC). C group received water and standard rodent food ad libitum while both E and RC groups had additionally unlimited access to energy drinks. C and E groups were decapitated after 8 weeks and RC was given another 8 weeks without energy drinks. Adrenal glands were embedded in paraffin blocks and 5 μm slides were prepared and stained according to standard H&E and Masson's trichrome protocols. Additionally, immunohistochemical stainings against Ki-67, p53, CTGF and caspase-3 were prepared. Results: Decreased vacuolization and numerous pyknotic nuclei were noted in E and RC groups. Overexpression of caspase-3 was noted both subcapsular in zona glomerulosa and along sinusoids in zona fasciculata. Increased collagen deposition in zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata of E and RC was observed. Insular and irregular overexpression of CTGF was noted. The overall picture of CTGF expression matched the Masson's trichrome. No significant difference was observed in Ki-67 expression. Conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that the stimulation is so intense that it causes significant damage to adrenal cortical cells, resulting in their apoptosis. It seems, however, that the observed effects are at least partially reversible.

Energy Drinks and Myocardial Ischemia: A Review of Case Reports

The use and abuse of energy drinks (EDs) is constantly increasing worldwide. We performed a systematic search in Medline, Scopus and Web of Science to identify evidence about the potential link between these beverages and myocardial ischemia. Overall, 8 case reports could be detected, all of which described a realistic association between large intake of EDs and episodes of myocardial ischemia. Interestingly, no additional triggers of myocardial ischemia other than energy drinks could be identified in the vast majority of cases. Some plausible explanations can be brought in support of this association. Most of the biological effects of EDs are seemingly mediated by a positive inotropic effect on cardiac function, which entails increase in heart rate, cardiac output and contractility, stroke volume and arterial blood pressure. Additional biological abnormalities reported after EDs intake include increased platelet aggregation, endothelial dysfunction, hyperglycemia as well as an increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Although a causal relationship between large consumption of EDs and myocardial ischemia cannot be definitely established so far, concerns about the cardiovascular risk of excessive consumption of these beverages are seemingly justified.

Impact of Acute Energy Drink Consumption on Blood Pressure Parameters: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Hospitalizations associated with energy drinks have increased in the past decade. Whereas energy drinks are suspected to cause hemodynamic effects, the magnitude of risk remains controversial. We evaluated the effects of acute energy drink consumption on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and heart rate (HR).

DATA SOURCES

A search in PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane database through December 31, 2015, was performed.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Prospective clinical studies assessing the effects of commercially available energy drinks on BP and HR were included. A weighted mean change from baseline was calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model for all end points.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In all, 15 studies were included, encompassing a total of 340, 322, and 340 individuals for SBP, DBP, and HR, respectively. SBP and DBP increased significantly by 4.44 mm Hg (95% CI = 2.71 to 6.17; Cochrane Q P = 0.001) and 2.73 mm Hg (95% CI = 1.52 to 3.95; Cochrane Q P = 0.050), respectively. HR changed nonsignificantly by 0.80 beats per minute (95% CI = -1.26 to 2.87; Cochrane Q P < 0.001). The largest change in SBP was seen with drinks administering ≥200 mg of caffeine (6.44 mm Hg, 95% CI = 4.62 to 8.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that acute consumption of caffeinated energy drinks significantly raises SBP and DBP. Further investigation of the ingredients in energy drinks and the impact of chronic energy drink consumption is warranted.

Acute effects of energy drinks in medical students

PURPOSE

To determine the acute effects of a variety of recognized energy drinks on medical students, based on the hypothesis that these beverages may affect negatively cardiovascular parameters, stress levels and working memory.

METHODS

Eighty young healthy medical students were included in the study. 62.5 % of the participants were male, and the age mean was 21.45 years. Each person was evaluated via measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, oxygen saturation, breath rate, temperature, STAI score (to assess anxiety state), salivary cortisol and N-back task score (to determine cognitive enhancement). These evaluations were performed before and following the intake of either carbonated water or one of three energy drinks containing caffeine in similar concentrations and an undetermined energy blend; A contained less sugar and no taurine.

RESULTS

Thirty-minute SBP increased significantly in the A and C groups. The B group exhibited a diminution of the percentage of the 1-h SBP increase, an increase of 1-h DBP and QTc shortening. HR showed an increase in the percent change in the A and C groups. Cortisol salivary levels increased in the B group. The STAI test score decreased in the C group. The percent change in N-back scores increased in the A group.

CONCLUSIONS

The data reinforce the need for further research on the acute and chronic effects of energy drinks to determine the actual risks and benefits. Consumers need to be more informed about the safety of these energy drinks, especially the young student population.

Impact of an Energy Drink on the Structure of Stomach and Pancreas of Albino Rat: Can Omega-3 Provide a Protection?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

A controversy developed between the benefits of energy drinks (EDs) versus the possible health threats since its revolution. Lack of information was a call to assess the effect of chronic consumption of Power Horse (PH) as one of the EDs, on the structure of pancreas and fundic mucosa of stomach in rats, and possible protective role of Omega-3.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty two adult male albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups; control received group which only received a standard diet, Omega-3 group, PH group which given PH and PH plus Omega-3 group received both PH plus Omega-3 for 4 weeks. Biochemical assessment of blood glucose, serum insulin, gastrin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) was performed. The antioxidant activity and histopathological examination of both pancreatic tissue and fundic mucosa of stomach were assessed.

RESULTS

Administration of PH significantly increased serum insulin and glucose levels while it significantly reduced serum gastrin level compared to control. PH also caused oxidants/antioxidants imbalance in both pancreas and fundic mucosa. The latter revealed degenerative changes and increased apoptosis which was evident by increased caspase-3 immunoexpression. Pancreas exhibited signs of β-cells overstimulation. Fundic mucosa showed reduced number of parietal cells, gastrin hormone expression compared to control group. Omega-3 administration could alleviate, to some extent, these changes. It significantly decreased TNF-α, iNOS and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as significantly increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities compared to the group which received PH alone.

CONCLUSION

Power Horse intake significantly injures islet cells, pancreatic acini as well as the glandular cells of the fundic mucosa. Omega-3 decreases these detrimental effects mostly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.

Carbonated soft drinks induce oxidative stress and alter the expression of certain genes in the brains of Wistar rats

In Saudi Arabia, the consumption of carbonated soft drinks is common and often occurs with each meal. Carbonated soft drink consumption has been shown to exhibit effects on the liver, kidney and bone. However, the effects of these soft drinks on brain activity have not been widely examined, particularly at the gene level. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effects of chronic carbonated soft drink consumption on oxidative stress, brain gene biomarkers associated with aggression and brain histology. In total, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 served as a control and was provided access to food and water ad libitum; and groups 2‑4 were given free access to food and carbonated soft drinks only (Cola for group 2, Pepsi for group 3 and 7‑UP for group 4). Animals were maintained on these diets for 3 consecutive months. Upon completion of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed and serological and histopathological analyses were performed on blood and tissues samples. Reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze alterations in gene expression levels. Results revealed that carbonated soft drinks increased the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Carbonated soft drinks were also observed to downregulate the expression of antioxidants glutathione reductase (GR), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the brain when compared with that in the control rats. Rats administered carbonated soft drinks also exhibited decreased monoamine oxidase A (MAO‑A) and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) serum and mRNA levels in the brain. In addition, soft drink consumption upregulated mRNA expression of dopamine D2 receptor (DD2R), while 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5‑HTT) expression was decreased. However, following histological examination, all rats had a normal brain structure. The results of this study demonstrated that that carbonated soft drinks induced oxidative stress and altered the expression of certain genes that are associated with the brain activity and thus should be consumed with caution.

Caffeine: cognitive and physical performance enhancer or psychoactive drug?

Caffeine use is increasing worldwide. The underlying motivations are mainly concentration and memory enhancement and physical performance improvement. Coffee and caffeine-containing products affect the cardiovascular system, with their positive inotropic and chronotropic effects, and the central nervous system, with their locomotor activity stimulation and anxiogenic-like effects. Thus, it is of interest to examine whether these effects could be detrimental for health. Furthermore, caffeine abuse and dependence are becoming more and more common and can lead to caffeine intoxication, which puts individuals at risk for premature and unnatural death. The present review summarizes the main findings concerning caffeine’s mechanisms of action (focusing on adenosine antagonism, intracellular calcium mobilization, and phosphodiesterases inhibition), use, abuse, dependence, intoxication, and lethal effects. It also suggests that the concepts of toxic and lethal doses are relative, since doses below the toxic and/or lethal range may play a causal role in intoxication or death. This could be due to caffeine’s interaction with other substances or to the individuals' preexisting metabolism alterations or diseases.

Energy drinks: Getting wings but at what health cost?

Energy drink consumption represents a global public health problem, especially among adolescents and young adults. The consumption of energy drinks has seen a substantial increase during the past few decades, especially in the Western and Asian countries. Although manufacturers of energy drinks claim that these beverages are beneficial in that they can boost energy, physical performance, and improve cognitive performance, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support these claims. The known and unknown pharmacology of the constituents of energy drinks, supplemented with reports of toxicity, raise concern for the potentially severe adverse events linked with energy drink use. Limited numbers of reviews have been published on this important subject..The aim of this review was to identify the major ingredients in energy drinks and to delineate the adverse effects related to their consumption.

Methods: Electronic databases of PubMed, Clinical Key, and Google and Cochrane library were extensively searched for energy drink articles. More than hundred articles were reviewed, scrutinized and critically appraised and the most relevant forty articles were used

Conclusion: Energy drinks & its ingredients are potentially dangerous to many aspects of health. Measures should be taken to improve awareness among adolescents and their parents regarding the potential hazards of energy drinks. Furthermore, the sale of energy drinks on college and university campuses and to adolescents below 16 years should be prohibited.

Energy drinks and their adverse health effects: A systematic review of the current evidence

PURPOSE

With the rising consumption of so-called energy drinks over the last few years, there has been a growing body of literature describing significant adverse health events after the ingestion of these beverages. To gain further insight about the clinical spectrum of these adverse events, we conducted a literature review.

METHODS

Using PubMed and Google-Scholar, we searched the literature from January 1980 through May 2014 for articles on the adverse health effects of energy drinks. A total of 2097 publications were found. We then excluded molecular and industry-related studies, popular media reports, and case reports of isolated caffeine toxicity, yielding 43 reports.

CONCLUSION

Energy drink consumption is a health issue primarily of the adolescent and young adult male population. It is linked to increased substance abuse and risk-taking behaviors. The most common adverse events affect the cardiovascular and neurological systems. The most common ingredient in energy drinks is caffeine, and it is believed that the adverse events are related to its effects, as well as potentiating effects of other stimulants in these drinks. Education, regulation, and further studies are required.

Beverages Of Daily Life: Impact Of Caffeine On Atrial Fibrillation

In recent years, clinical and observational studies reported that caffeine consumption was associated with cardiac arrhythmias, affected heart rate variability, and subsequently increased cardiovascular risk. The analysis of these paper shows that data are controversial and strongly depends on methodology. Moderate intake of caffeine seems to have protective effects on arrhythmias, on contrary high intake of caffeine seems to be associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation. There is a deep difference when we analysed intake of caffeine from coffee compared to other sources. In very recent time an increase in caffeinated beverages, namely energy drinks, has been reported in young people and several arrhythmic complications has been observed. A review of literature is presented.

Biochemical effects of energy drinks alone or in combination with alcohol in normal albino rats

PURPOSE

To determine the biochemical effects of energy drink alone or in combination with alcohol in normal albino rats.

METHODS

Twenty male albino rats weighing 160-180g were assigned into groups A-E of four rats per group. Group A and B rats were given low and high doses of ED, respectively, groups C and D were administered low and high doses of EDmA, respectively while group E rats were given distilled water and served as control. The treatment lasted for 30 days after which the animals were killed and their blood collected for laboratory analyses using standard methods.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in body weight, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration with either administration of ED or EDmA in comparison to the control. Energy drink alone or EDmA has significant effects on total white blood cell count, plasma potassium, calcium, renal functions, liver enzymes and plasma triglycerides, with EDmA having more effects than ED alone, except for body weight where the energy drink alone has higher effect.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of energy drink alone or in combination with alcohol is associated with significant alterations in some biochemical parameters. Caution should be exercised while consuming either of them. Public health education is urgently needed to correct the wrong impression already formed by the unsuspecting consumers, especially the youths.

International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinks

Position Statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) bases the following position stand on a critical analysis of the literature on the safety and efficacy of the use of energy drinks (ED) or energy shots (ES). The ISSN has concluded the following. 1. Although ED and ES contain a number of nutrients that are purported to affect mental and/or physical performance, the primary ergogenic nutrients in most ED and ES appear to be carbohydrate and/or caffeine. 2. The ergogenic value of caffeine on mental and physical performance has been well-established but the potential additive benefits of other nutrients contained in ED and ES remains to be determined. 3. Consuming ED 10-60 minutes before exercise can improve mental focus, alertness, anaerobic performance, and/or endurance performance. 4. Many ED and ES contain numerous ingredients; these products in particular merit further study to demonstrate their safety and potential effects on physical and mental performance. 5. There is some limited evidence that consumption of low-calorie ED during training and/or weight loss trials may provide ergogenic benefit and/or promote a small amount of additional fat loss. However, ingestion of higher calorie ED may promote weight gain if the energy intake from consumption of ED is not carefully considered as part of the total daily energy intake. 6. Athletes should consider the impact of ingesting high glycemic load carbohydrates on metabolic health, blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as the effects of caffeine and other stimulants on motor skill performance. 7. Children and adolescents should only consider use of ED or ES with parental approval after consideration of the amount of carbohydrate, caffeine, and other nutrients contained in the ED or ES and a thorough understanding of the potential side effects. 8. Indiscriminant use of ED or ES, especially if more than one serving per day is consumed, may lead to adverse events and harmful side effects. 9. Diabetics and individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular, metabolic, hepatorenal, and neurologic disease who are taking medications that may be affected by high glycemic load foods, caffeine, and/or other stimulants should avoid use of ED and/or ES unless approved by their physician.