The Effect of Acute Consumption of Energy Drinks on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Blood Glucose in the Group of Young Adults

Acute effects of energy drink consumption on cardiovascular parameters in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

CONTEXT

Energy drinks (EDs) are beverages that contain ingredients that may pose a risk to consumers' cardiovascular health. But current evidence is conflicting and warrants further investigation.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on studies that examined the acute effects of ED consumption on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), resting heart rate, cardiac output (CO), endothelial function, and QT/QTc interval in healthy adults.

DATA SOURCES

The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and the gray literature were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

DATA EXTRACTION

Two independent evaluators screened 2014 studies and extracted relevant data from those selected for the analysis. A risk of bias assessment was also performed with the RoB 2 tool and a strength of evidence assessment was performed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

DATA ANALYSIS

A total of 17 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. With regard to risk of bias, 11 studies were rated as having "some concerns" and 6 as "high risk of bias." The consumption of EDs increased SBP, DBP, and CO in different time frames. More pronounced effects were seen on SBP at 60-80 minutes (4.71 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.97-6.45; GRADE: moderate), DBP at 120 minutes (4.51 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.60-6.42; GRADE: low), and CO at 30-40 minutes after consumption (0.43 L; 95% CI: 0.08-0.77; GRADE: very low). The effects of ED consumption on resting heart rate and QT/QTc interval were not significant (P ≤ 0.05). The assessment of endothelial function effects was not performed due to the absence of any RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute consumption of EDs increases SBP, DBP, and CO in healthy adults. However, no alterations were observed in other cardiovascular parameters. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies included in the analysis.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022295335.

Physiological Impacts of Energy Drink Consumption: A Clinical Analysis in Adolescents

Energy drink (ED) consumption among Israeli-Arab adolescents is widespread. This study aimed to investigate the acute glycemic and insulin effects of EDs in healthy adolescents. Seventy-one Israeli-Arab adolescents (56% girls, average age 16.04 ± 1.03 years) participated in a non-randomized, case-controlled, open-label study. Participants consumed ED (n = 36) or a volume- and carbohydrate-matched non-caffeinated soft drink (SD, n = 35), followed by a 2 h glucose tolerance test. Blood glucose was measured at baseline and 15, 30, 60, and 120 min post-consumption (T0, T15, T30, T60 and T120, respectively). Serum insulin concentration and caffeine relative intensity were determined 45 min post-consumption (T45). Blood glucose levels peaked significantly at T15 and remained significantly higher at T30 in the ED group compared to the SD group (p = 0.005, p = 0.017, respectively). Insulin concentrations were substantially higher at T45 in the ED group (t [64] = 2.794, p = 0.001). This pattern was especially prominent in heavy ED consumers. A positive correlation emerged between the amount of caffeine consumed (mg/kg), blood glucose levels at T15 and T30, and insulin concentration at T45. This study is the first to demonstrate the glycemic and insulin responses to ED consumption in adolescents, suggesting that regulatory measures limiting ED sales to adolescents could improve their health.

Effect of various factors on energy drinks consumption, and their connection with alcohol consumption

Energy drinks (EDs) have become widely popular among adolescents and young adults. Excessive consumption of EDs can lead to ED abuse and alcohol abuse. Therefore, this study has aimed to analyse the consumption of EDs in a group of patients suffering from alcohol dependence and among young adults, considering such issues as the amounts consumed, underlying reasons and threats arising from excessive consumption of ED and their mixing with alcohol (AmED). The study included 201 men (101 patients treated due to alcohol dependence and 100 young adults/students). Each research participant responded to questions in a survey designed by the researchers (socio-demographic data, clinical data, including consumption of ED, AmED and alcohol), the MAST and SADD. The participants also had their arterial blood pressure measured. EDs were consumed by 92% of the patients and 52% of young adults. A statistically significant dependence was confirmed between consumption of ED and tobacco smoking (p < 0.001), as well as the place of residence (p = 0.044). For 22% of the patients, ED consumption had an effect on alcohol consumption, where 7% admitted to feeling an increased urge to drink alcohol, and 15% said ED consumption decreased it. A statistically significant relationship (p < 0.001) was also shown between ED consumption and the consumption of EDs mixed with alcohol (AmED). This study may implicate that widespread consumption of EDs predisposes to the consumption of alcohol mixed with ED or separate.

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Response to RedBull® Energy Drink Intake in Young Adults

BACKGROUND

Energy drinks contain caffeine, taurine, sucrose, vitamins, and other amino acids. The dosage of these varies depending on the drink chosen. Several studies on energy drinks have been carried out, but the results obtained are still inconsistent as well as the risk associated with consumption. This study analyzed the cardio- and cerebrovascular responses after consumption of an energy drink - RedBull® - under standardized pre- and post-ingestion conditions and its impact on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system.

METHODS

A sample of 30 healthy young adult females was recruited and subjected to 3 moments of evaluation: at baseline, 30 minutes after ingesting the energy drink, and 60 minutes after ingesting it according to a non-randomized pre-post intervention study design.

RESULTS

It is found that over time there are significant changes in peak systolic velocity (P =.006) and endodiastolic velocity (P <.001) of common carotid artery, peak systolic velocity (P =.007), and endodiastolic velocity (P <.001) of internal carotid artery, peak systolic velocity (P =.004), end endodiastolic velocity (P =.013) of the external carotid artery, endodiastolic velocity (P =.042) of the middle cerebral artery, cardiac output (P =.004), and heart rate (P <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

After the consumption of Redbull®, there was a decrease in the velocities of the carotid arteries and the middle cerebral artery as well as a decrease in cardiac output accompanied by a decrease in heart rate and a slight, although not significant, increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures. However, it is still unclear which pathophysiological mechanisms are responsible for these changes.

Energy drinks at adolescence: Awareness or unawareness?

Energy drinks (EDs) are beverages similar to soft drinks, characterized by high caffeine concentrations with additional ingredients like taurine and vitamins, marketed for boosting energy, reducing tiredness, increasing concentration, and for their ergogenic effect. The majority of consumers are children, adolescents, and young athletes. Although EDs companies claim about the ergogenic and remineralizing properties of their products, there is a serious lack of evidence at preclinical as well as clinical level to validate their benefits. The regular intake and long-term consequences of these caffeinated drinks are not well documented, especially the possible negative effects in adolescents whose brain is still developing. EDs combined with alcohol are also gaining popularity among adolescents and different publications indicate that this combined consumption might increase the risk to develop an alcohol use disorder, as well as produce serious adverse cardiovascular effects. There is an increasing need to disseminate knowledge on EDs damage on health, so that adolescents can be aware about the potential harmful outcomes of consuming these drinks.

Short-term energy drink consumption influences plasma glucose, apolipoprotein B, body mass index and pulse rate among students

OBJECTIVE

Energy drinks are becoming more popular every year, particularly among young adults such as college students, despite evidence that they have harmful health effects. The effect of energy drink consumption on plasma glucose, serum apolipoproteins, and triglyceride levels in students was investigated.

METHODS

In order to test this, we chose two representative types of energy drinks in Nigeria, namely fearless and predator. These energy drinks are brand names of non-alcoholic beverages aimed to provide energy. 30 students, apparently healthy male human subjects aged 18 to 30 years who gave informed consent to the research work were randomly selected and divided into two groups: Group A (fearless energy drink consumers, n=15) and Group B (predator energy drink consumers, n=15).   RESULTS: The results demonstrated significant reductions in pulse rate (86.00±41.32 vs. 78.87±27.72; p=0.03) and BMI (21.41±1.93 vs. 21.7±12.02; p=0.00) as compared to baseline values after one month of "fearless energy drink" consumption. Plasma glucose levels were significantly higher (97.53±10.62 vs. 88.80±11.33; p=0.01) and Apo B levels were significantly lower (21.41±1.93 vs. 21.71±2.02; p=0.00) following two weeks of fearless energy drink consumption than in baseline. In addition, BMI and Apo B levels were significantly lower after two weeks of predator energy drink consumption, but plasma glucose levels were significantly higher after two weeks and one month of predator energy drink consumption, respectively (p<0.05). SBP, DBP, TG and Apo A levels did not differ significantly in both fearless and predator energy drink consumers at baseline and after the study period respectively (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that the consumption of energy drinks causes significant alterations in BMI, pulse rate, plasma glucose and apolipoprotein B levels which may have important clinical consequences for energy drink consumers.

Effects of Energy Drink Acute Assumption in Gastrointestinal Tract of Rats

Energy drinks (EDs) are non-alcoholic beverages containing high amounts of caffeine and other psychoactive substances. EDs also contain herbal extract whose concentration is usually unknown. EDs can have several adverse effects on different organs and systems, but their effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract have been poorly investigated. To determine the acute effects of EDs on the GI tract, we administered EDs, coffee, soda cola, or water to Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 7 per group, randomly assigned) for up to five days, and analyzed the histopathological changes in the GI tract. Data were compared among groups by Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney tests. We found that, while EDs did not cause any evident acute lesion to the GI tract, they triggered eosinophilic infiltration in the intestinal mucosa; treatment with caffeine alone at the same doses found in EDs leads to the same effects, suggesting that it is caffeine and not other substances present in the EDs that causes this infiltration. The interruption of caffeine administration leads to the complete resolution of eosinophilic infiltration. As no systemic changes in pro-inflammatory or immunomodulating molecules were observed, our data suggest that caffeine present in ED can cause a local, transient inflammatory status that recruits eosinophils.

Energy Drinks and Their Acute Effects on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Children and Teenagers: A Randomized Trial

Adolescents are the main consumer group of energy drinks (ED). Studies suggest that acute ED consumption is associated with increased peripheral blood pressure. Little is known of the ED-induced effects on arterial stiffness. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of ED consumption on arterial stiffness in healthy children and teenagers by conducting a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial. Study participants (n = 27, mean age = 14.53 years) consumed a body-weight-adjusted amount of an ED or a placebo on two consecutive days. Arterial stiffness was evaluated sonographically by two-dimensional speckle tracking of the common carotid artery (CCA) at baseline and up to four hours after beverage consumption. The ED intake led to a significantly decreased peak circumferential strain of the CCA (11.78 ± 2.70% vs. 12.29 ± 2.68%, p = 0.043) compared with the placebo. The results of this study indicate that the acute ED consumption might be associated with increased arterial stiffness in healthy children and teenagers. Minors, particularly those with increased cardiovascular morbidity, should be discouraged from ED consumption.

Interaction of Energy Drinks with Prescription Medication and Drugs of Abuse

In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks (EDs) has become increasingly popular, especially among adolescents. Caffeine, a psychostimulant, is the main compound of EDs which also contain other substances with pharmacological effects. This review aims to compile current evidence concerning the potential interactions between EDs, medicines, and drugs of abuse as they are frequently consumed in combination. The substances involved are mainly substrates, inductors or inhibitors of CYP1A2, psychostimulants, alcohol and other depressant drugs. Furthermore, intoxications reported with EDs and other substances have also been screened to describe acute toxicity. The results of our review show that the consumption of both EDs alone and in combination is not as safe as previously thought. Health professionals and consumers need to be aware of the potential interactions of these drinks as well as the absence of long-term safety data.

Acute effects of energy drink on hemodynamic and electrophysiologic parameters in habitual and non-habitual caffeine consumers

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The consumption of energy drinks has significantly increased in recent years but their adverse effects are yet to be identified. The objective of the study is to determine the acute effects of energy drink on habitual and non-habitual caffeine consumers and if caffeine consumption habit causes a difference in the hemodynamic and electrophysiological responses.

METHODS

We carried out a non-randomized, non-placebo controlled, three-arm parallel assignment with 48 students enrolled at Aydın Adnan Menderes University. Four main groups were determined according to the results of the application acceptance survey. Blood pressure, electrocardiogram, breath rate, haemoglobin oxygen saturation and bioelectrical impedance analysis were measured before consuming the drinks. After consuming the drinks, measurements were repeated at 30 min and 60 min. In addition, Participant's Situation Anxiety Scale was recorded.

RESULTS

Energy drink consumption led to a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate for non-habitual caffeine consumers. PR interval and QRS complex were not affected significantly, however QTc interval reduced in time. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation and breathing rate did not change. Body fat percentage values of habitual energy drink consumers were smaller than the other groups. Body metabolism rate increased after energy drink consumption. There was no significant change for high-habitual caffeine consumers in all parameters evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Energy drink consumption has a negative effect on hemodynamic parameters. But as the habituation level increases the impact of energy drink on hemodynamic parameters tends to decrease.

CLINICALTRIALS REGISTRATION

Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier No: NCT04223167.

Energy Drinks and Sports Performance, Cardiovascular Risk, and Genetic Associations; Future Prospects

The consumption of energy drinks (e.g., containing caffeine and taurine) has increased over the last decade among adolescents and athletes to enhance their cognitive level and improve intellectual and athletic performance. Numerous studies have shown that drinking moderate doses of such drinks produces beneficial effects, as they considerably boost the sporting performance of elite athletes in various sports, including both endurance and explosive events. However, apart from their ergogenic effects, the regular consumption of energy drinks also increases blood pressure and consequently incites problems such as hypertension, tachycardia, and nervousness, all of which can lead to cardiovascular disorders. A potential positive correlation between genetics and the moderate consumption of energy drinks and athletic performance has recently been reported; notwithstanding, a better understanding of the genetic variants involved in metabolism is a key area for future research to optimize the dose of energy drink consumed and obtain the maximal ergogenic effect in elite sports. The aim of this literature review, therefore, is to present the results of recent studies, classifying them according to the differences in the associations between energy drinks and: (i) Athletic performance; (ii) cardiovascular risk factors while practicing sports; and (iii) genetic associations and future prospects between the consumption of energy drinks and performance.

Association between energy drink consumption and substance use in adolescence: A systematic review of prospective cohort studies

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether energy drink (ED) consumption is associated with substance use (SU) in adolescence. The purpose of this study is to clarify the association.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using a wide range of electronic bibliographic databases to search for published prospective cohort studies on the topic from inception to 14th August 2019. The risk of bias was addressed by using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions; ROBINS-I. Studies targeting adolescents were collected. Additionally, we collected studies that examined an association between the extent of energy drink consumption as exposure variables and any substance use as outcome variables.

RESULTS

Five studies met the eligibility criteria. ED consumption was associated with adolescent use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, prescription stimulants, and analgesics. However, the overall risk of bias in the included studies was severe.

CONCLUSION

ED consumption may be associated with SU in adolescence, particularly alcohol use. The results, however, were still inconclusive due to the relatively low methodological quality in the included studies. Evidence from more well-designed trials is needed in future research.

Small intestinal glucose and sodium absorption through calcium-induced calcium release and store-operated Ca2+ entry mechanisms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Luminal glucose enhances intestinal Ca²⁺ absorption through apical Ca_v 1.3 channels necessary for GLUT2-mediated glucose absorption. As these reciprocal mechanisms are not well understood, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms of intestinal [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt and SGLT1-mediated Na⁺ -glucose co-transports.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Glucose absorption and channel expression were examined in mouse upper jejunal epithelium using an Ussing chamber, immunocytochemistry and Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ imaging in single intestinal epithelial cells.

KEY RESULTS

Glucose induced jejunal I_sc via Na⁺ -glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) operated more efficiently in the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺ . A crosstalk between luminal Ca²⁺ entry via plasma Ca_v 1.3 channels and the ER Ca²⁺ release through ryanodine receptor (RYR) activation in small intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) or Ca²⁺ -induced Ca²⁺ release (CICR) mechanism was involve in Ca²⁺ -mediated jejunal glucose absorption. The ER Ca²⁺ release through RyR triggered basolateral Ca²⁺ entry or store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) mechanism and the subsequent Ca²⁺ entry via Na⁺ /Ca²⁺ exchanger 1 (NCX1) were found to be critical in Na⁺ -glucose cotransporter-mediated glucose absorption. Blocking RyR, SOCE and NCX1 inhibited glucose induced [Na⁺ ]_cyt and [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt in single IEC and protein expression and co-localization of STIM1/Orai1, RyR1 and NCX1 were detected in IEC and jejunal mucosa.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Luminal Ca²⁺ influx through Ca_v 1.3 triggers the CICR through RyR1 to deplete the ER Ca²⁺ , which induces the basolateral STIM1/Orai1-mediated SOCE mechanism and the subsequent Ca²⁺ entry via NCX1 to regulate intestinal glucose uptake via Ca²⁺ signalling. Targeting these mechanisms in IEC may help to modulate blood glucose and sodium in the metabolic disease.

Energy Drinks and Their Adverse Health Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Energy drinks are the fastest growing product in the beverage industry. However, there is concern regarding potential for adverse effects with use.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the reported adverse effects of energy drink consumption.

DATA SOURCES

The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched for relevant studies from inception to November 2019, and pertinent data were abstracted.

STUDY SELECTION

Only clinical studies reporting adverse events after energy drink consumption were included.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data regarding sample size characteristics, energy drink characteristics, comparators, and all adverse events were extracted in duplicate and recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 32 studies and 96,549 individuals were included. Frequently reported adverse events in the pediatric population were insomnia (35.4%), stress (35.4%), and depressive mood (23.1%). Frequently reported adverse events in the adult population were insomnia (24.7%), jitteriness/restlessness/shaking hands (29.8%), and gastrointestinal upset (21.6%). Alcohol mixed with energy drinks significantly reduced the likelihood of sedation effects but increased the likelihood of stimulatory effects. Energy drink consumption significantly increased the odds of insomnia (OR, 5.02; 95% CI, 1.72-14.63) and jitteriness/activeness (OR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.28-9.67) compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

The authors recommend that individuals avoid frequent energy drink consumption (5-7 energy drinks/week) and avoid co-consumption with alcohol; increased regulatory standards should be placed in the sale of energy drinks, particularly with regard to the pediatric population.

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.

Assessment of Antioxidant Properties of Classic Energy Drinks in Comparison with Fruit Energy Drinks

Energy drinks (EDs) contain sugar, caffeine, and other bioactive compounds. Recently, new types of EDs, enriched with fruit juices, natural pigments, and plant extracts, have been launched in the market. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition and antioxidant properties of the most popular classic and fruit EDs. The study was carried out including 24 of the most popular energy drinks (classic and fruit EDs). The composition of EDs, especially caffeine and sugar, and antioxidant properties (antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, vitamin C) were analyzed. Energy drinks with added fruit juice or natural pigments had a significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) antioxidant capacity compared to classic energy drinks. Fruit EDs had a higher concentration of polyphenols and vitamin C. In some fruit EDs, slight amounts of anthocyanins were found. Generally, EDs are not a rich source of polyphenols and are not distinguished by high antioxidant capacity. However, fruit energy drinks and/or ones with added natural pigments have much better antioxidant properties than classic EDs. Both classic and fruit EDs contain a large amount of caffeine and sugar, therefore, it would be advisable not to drink large amounts of EDs for possible related health issues.

Effects of Acute Consumption of Noni and Chokeberry Juices vs. Energy Drinks on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Blood Glucose in Young Adults

The purpose of this study has been to determine the effect of acute consumption of noni and chokeberry juices vs. energy drinks on blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose. The subjects divided into 4 groups, which consumed three portions of noni or chokeberry juices (30 mL or 200 mL, respectively) and energy drink (ED) or water (200 mL) at one-hour intervals. All participants had their blood pressure (BP), both systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP), as well as heart rate (HR) and blood glucose (BG), measured. Consumption of noni juice caused a significant decrease in SBP and DBP of 5.0% and 7.5%, respectively, while, the consumption of chokeberry juice slightly decreased only DBP by 3.6%. On the contrary, consumption of three portions of EDs caused a significant increase in DBP by 14.7%. The BG of participants consuming noni juice decreased by 7.3%, while the consumption of EDs increased BG by as much as 15.8%. Acute consumption of noni juice contributed to a significantly decreased SBP, DBP, and HR as well as a mild reduction of BG. Consumption of chokeberry juice caused only a slight reduction of DBP. Contrary to juices, EDs consumption resulted in an increase of blood pressure (especially DBP) and blood glucose. The results of the study showed that noni juice may be effective in lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels, but there is a need to continue research on the long-term effect of this juice.