A remarkable case of rhabdomyolysis associated with ingestion of energy drink 'neon volt'

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.

Hypophosphatemia, hypokalaemia and rhabdomyolysis associated with a panic attack

Panic attacks have been associated with hypophosphatemia, which can lead to numerous complications if unrecognised. Here, we present the case of an otherwise-healthy man in his 20s who experienced a panic attack accompanied by hypophosphatemia and hypokalaemia and subsequently developed rhabdomyolysis. This trajectory highlights the clinical significance of panic attack-associated metabolic derangements and their potential for medical complications such as rhabdomyolysis.

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.

Caffeinated energy drink consumption among adolescents and potential health consequences associated with their use: a significant public health hazard

Caffeinated energy drinks (EDs) are increasingly popular among adolescents despite growing evidence of their negative health effects. The consumption of EDs has seen a substantial increase during the past few decades, especially in the Western and Asian countries. EDs contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and novel ingredients, and are often marketed through youth-oriented media and venues. The known and unknown pharmacology of the constituents of EDs poses a risk of caffeine toxicity and other ill effects when consumed by young people. Caffeine intoxication may result in tachycardia, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and even death. Other health concerns related to consumption of EDs include obesity and dental enamel erosion resulting from the acidity of EDs. Coingestion of caffeine and ethanol has been associated with increased risk-taking behaviors in adolescent users, impaired driving, and increased use of other illicit substances. Several researchers have demonstrated that consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks leads to altered subjective states including decreased perceived intoxication, enhanced stimulation, and increased desire to drink/increased drinking compared to consuming alcohol alone. Caffeine’s effect on intoxication may be most pronounced when mixers are artificially sweetened, that is, lack sucrose which slows the rate of gastric emptying of alcohol. In conclusion: 1) health care providers should educate youth and their parents about the risks of caffeinated drinks; 2) emergency department clinicians should consider asking patients about ED and traditional caffeine usage and substance use when assessing patient symptoms; 3) policy makers should increase their attention on introducing regulatory policies on television food advertising to which youth are exposed; 4) failure to comply with standards for efficacious product labelling, and absence of broader education regarding guidelines, need to be addressed and 5) further studies must be done to improve our understanding of potential negative consequences of caffeinated energy drinks on health. (www.actabiomedica.it)