How unhealthy are energy drinks really?
A recent study has revealed that energy drinks could be linked to serious health conditions such as heart diseases.
Energy drinks are often the go-to for people feeling tired or who want an extra boost for the day ahead. However, new research suggests these beverages could be linked to serious health conditions.
WHAT IS IN AN ENERGY DRINK?
Energy drinks often contain high levels of sugar. Additionally, they contain caffeine ranging from 80mg to 300mg per serving, compared with 100mg found in a cup of coffee. Many also contain other additional ingredients, such as taurine and guarana, which many medical experts believe alter heart rate, blood pressure, and other heart functions.
STUDY SHOWS ALARMING DATA
A new study suggests consuming energy drinks may be a cause of sudden cardiac arrest. Researchers at Mayo Clinic, the largest non-profit medical group practice in the world, have warned that drinking these beverages can be dangerous for people with genetic heart diseases.
For the study, the team examined 144 sudden cardiac arrest survivors. Seven patients within this group had consumed one or more energy drinks near to the time that the cardiac event occurred. Although the study did not prove that drinking energy drinks directly causes cardiac arrest, the scientists warned people, especially those who may be genetically at risk of heart problems, to consume them in moderation.
Dr Michael Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, said in a statement:
“Although the relative risk is small and the absolute risk of sudden death after consuming an energy drink is even smaller, patients with a known sudden death predisposing genetic heart disease should weigh the risks and benefits of consuming such drinks in the balance.”
Healthline Media UK Ltd
A cardiologist not involved in the study, Dr Dohadwala, stated that,
“although this is a very small retrospective study of a very rare, select population, these clinical findings appear to be well beyond chance and are likely to have significant clinical relevance … on a much larger population. These findings may be illuminating their [energy drinks’] widespread consumption which may in-end lead to a much broader public health concern.”
Dr Dohadwala, Medical Director of Heartsafe
It is worth noting that this is not the first study to question the safety of these beverages, especially consumed in great quantity and for those predisposed to cardiac issues.
ENERGY DRINKS ARE FLYING OFF THE SHELVES IN SOUTH AFRICA
The ready-to-drink (RTD) energy drinks category continues to be the fastest growing segment within the non-alcoholic beverage industry in South Africa. This is according to a new BMi Research report on the drinks markets. BMi Research has been tracking the energy drinks market for more than 20 years.
Khathu Musingadi, a research analyst at BMi Research, explains that this growth is driven by consumers’ perception that these beverages provide both refreshment and an energy boost, making them products with added value.
Marketing also plays a major role in driving sales growth. Many advertisements emphasise the potential of these beverages to enhance physical and mental performance. This message is very effective in boosting sales.
In the last two years, the RTD energy drinks category in South Africa has recorded double digit growth. This is in both volume and value. Initially, industries primarily targeted consumers interested in sports or with active lifestyles. Most energy drinks include the amino acid taurine and have a high caffeine content. Some also include other legal stimulants such as guarana and ginseng.