However, some studies have also highlighted the occurrence of negative effects by the consumption of EDs, such as an increase in the heart rate, and systolic and diastolic pressures and a decrease in the cerebral blood flow ( 12, 13).įinally, the long-term effects of the consumption of EDs on different systems have been insufficiently studied, and those of such drinks on the cardiovascular system are unknown. In fact, most studies have shown that a moderate consumption of EDs over a short period of time improves the cognitive and psychomotor capacities ( 11). It has been used for more than half a century in the treatment of lipid disorders, such as abnormally elevated concentrations of LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins and low concentrations of HDL ( 9, 10). Niacin has positive effects in restoring a healthy lipid profile and delaying the progression of atherosclerosis ( 9). Some EDs (5-hour ENERGY shots, Monster, Rockstar Energy, and Red Bull) contain niacin (vitamin B3) in doses above the daily recommended intake. Further, it maintains the normal contractile function of the heart muscle ( 7) and reduces arterial pressure ( 8). It exhibits various biological activities such as a positive influence on the calcium kinetics as well as the protection of the cardiac function and is a modulator of protein kinases and phosphatases in cardiomyocytes. It has also been proven that taurine is an indirect regulator of oxidative stress in the myocardium, stabilizing the cellular membranes by directly interacting with phospholipids. Additionally, caffeine causes sympathomimetic effects, intensifying heart activity and increasing blood pressure ( 6). For instance, it has been shown that caffeine activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a key enzyme that coordinates several signaling pathways that are involved in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis ( 5). Several studies have addressed the short-term effects of EDs, targeting specific components of EDs and not EDs in their entirety, and have reported positive short-term effects induced by these specific components. In general, the short- and long-term effects of the consumption of EDs are controversial. ( 4) have shown that, when combined with alcohol, Red Bull attenuates the perception of alcoholic intoxication. Several studies have investigated the effect of EDs in combination with alcohol and have shown that EDs significantly reduce the immediate effects of ethylic intoxication, which may lead to an increased consumption of alcoholic drinks ( 3).
The risks are even higher if EDs are combined with alcohol. Additionally, the past years have witnessed an increase in the incidence of negative effects associated with the consumption of EDs, the most common adverse effects noticed being the nervous, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal effects. The explosive increase in the consumption of EDs over the past years has led the scientific community to investigate the influence of such products on human health and to identify the reasons for their consumption. As such, the safety of the long-term consumption of EDs is questionable.
However, the consumption of EDs, particularly in large quantities, is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events such as cardiac arrhythmias, chest pain, hypertension, and even sudden cardiac death ( 2). EDs are branded as agents or enhancers of energy, concentration capacity, and physical and mental performance ( 1). They contain large quantities of active components such as caffeine, taurine, and niacin.
Energy drinks (EDs) target young and physically active individuals.
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