The Buzz on Energy Drinks Exposed
Sunday night. 8 pm… 40% cumulative essay due in class tomorrow.
“Why do I leave everything to the last minute? How am I going to get this done? I’m going to have to pull an all-nighter – but what will help me focus? Another energy drink wouldn’t hurt, right?”
Most students have been in this situation before – but is it worth jeopardizing your health?
Most of us pick up energy drinks without thinking about the repercussions. These drinks claim to improve performance, increase alertness, and enhance focus. However, what these drinks often fail to do is be honest about the adverse effects involved when they are consumed in excess.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States publicly released the adverse event reports for four energy drinks—5-Hour Energy, Monster Energy, Rockstar Energy, and Red Bull. Thus far, 18 fatalities have been linked to these highly caffeinated energy drinks – 5 to Monster Energy, 13 to 5-Hour. Some of the symptoms mentioned in the reports include increased heart rate, fatigue, vomiting, loss of consciousness, as well as cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Unknowingly to most, energy drinks can contain 50 mg to 500 mg of caffeine per bottle. This increased caffeine amount can have adverse effects on physiological processes in the body leading to increased blood pressure, heart rate, and dehydration. Consuming more than one energy drink daily may contribute to a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia due to enhanced symptoms of withdrawal and the excessive caffeine intake. According to recent publications, study participants suffering from caffeine withdrawal reported difficulty and fatigue in performing cognitive tasks. They also experience symptoms such as severe headaches, reduced alertness, irritability, and light-headedness.
It is important to follow the warnings on energy drink labels closely, keep track of how much caffeine you are consuming daily and always consider whether the buzz is worth the risk!
Caffeine Content of Drinks Can Add Up Quickly!
Recommended Daily Intake = 400mg
Keep track of how much caffeine you are consuming.
- 5 Hour Energy Shot (60ml): 138mg
- Amp Energy Drink (473ml): 142mg
- Monster Energy drinks (473ml): 160mg
- Pepsi-Cola (355ml): 26mg
- Coca Cola Classic (355ml): 34mg
- Red Rain Energy Drink (250ml): 80mg
- Red Bull (250ml): 80mg
- Rockstar Energy (473ml): 160mg
- Tim Horton’s Large Coffee (592 ml): 200mg
Energy drink alternatives that will boost your productivity – The healthy way!
Sleep: On average, 8 hours of sleep is ideal.
Physical Activity: Exercising releases “feel good” endorphins.
Water or Sports Drinks: Water and sports drinks are better choices to keep you hydrated.
Sources
- Caffeinated Energy Drinks – A Growing Problem
- Effects of caffeine and and caffeine withdrawal on mood and cognitive performance degraded by sleep restriction
- Voluntary and Mandatory Reports on 5-Hour Energy, Monster Energy, and Rockstar Energy Drink,
January 1, 2004, through October 23, 2012 - Voluntary Reports on Red Bull Energy Drink – January 1, 2004, through October 23, 2012