The covert perils of energy drinks: A medical perspective
Johnson, who was making her debut as a director in the short film "Underwhelmed Kid", believed her energy drink was just a "natural boost". She admitted to Variety that she wasn't aware she was essentially consuming excessive amounts of caffeine.
Many people might be misled. They might consider energy drinks as sports drinks or suitable for hydration, even for children. So, what exactly are energy drinks? Considering the primary concern is the caffeine content, what is an acceptable caffeine intake level? How much is too much — is it possible to overdose on caffeine? Should energy drinks be used before physical activities? Who should exercise extra caution with these drinks? Are there more healthy ways to combat fatigue and increase energy levels?
I spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness medical expert from CNN, to address these queries. Wen is an emergency physician and a clinical associate professor at George Washington University. Previously, she served as Baltimore's health commissioner and is a mom to two school-age kids.
CNN: What exactly are energy drinks?
Dr. Wen: Energy drinks don't have a standard definition, but they're generally marketed to enhance focus, vigilance, and energy. They frequently contain high doses of caffeine, sugar, and legal stimulants, such as taurine, guarana, and L-carnitine.
CNN: Are energy drinks and sports drinks the same thing?
Wen: No, they're not, and it's essential to differentiate between the two.
Sports drinks are beverages containing electrolytes, beneficial for athletes and people experiencing heavy exercise and sweating. Some only include salts and electrolytes, while others can include added sugars.
Energy drinks might contain some electrolytes and sugars, but their primary purpose is to stimulate, not to replace electrolytes or fluids lost during exercise.
CNN: Can drinking large quantities of energy drinks be harmful?
Wen: Yes, especially due to excessive caffeine intake.
Large caffeine doses can lead to a rapid heartbeat. Individuals can become jittery and anxious. They might experience sleeping difficulties, ironically leading to more fatigue in the long run. Those believing energy drinks replenish electrolytes and fluids may become dehydrated, especially as caffeine promotes fluid loss.
An excessive caffeine dose can result in caffeine overdose. While rare, it can be dangerous, even life-threatening, especially during heart rhythm disruptions. Sufferers may experience cardiac arrest and other severe symptoms such as brain swelling and kidney failure.
CNN: How much caffeine does one need to consume to harm themselves?
Wen: Over 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is considered excessive for most adults, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. This is roughly equivalent to four or five cups of coffee.
Consuming 400 milligrams of caffeine might not result in severe caffeine overdose effects, but individuals could experience jitteriness and sleep disturbances.
Some energy drinks contain up to 200 or 300 milligrams of caffeine per bottle or can. Therefore, it's crucial to read the labels before consuming.
CNN: Is this advice different for children?
Wen: Yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against energy drink consumption for children and adolescents. They also discourage the consumption of drinks containing caffeine and sugar, as these can increase the risk of anxiety, hyperactivity, excessive weight gain, heart disease, and fatty liver disease.
However, 30% to 50% of adolescents report consuming energy drinks. Energy drinks are sometimes sold in school vending machines.
Parents should be cautious, carefully analyzing the labels of drinks their kids consume. Some drinks might seem similar but contain different caffeine quantities.
CNN: Should people use energy drinks before physical activities?
Wen: Generally, no. Water is the best option for hydration for most individuals. Those concerned about electrolyte loss, like endurance athletes and people working outdoors in hot weather, should consider sports drinks — not energy drinks.
Some adults might use energy drinks as a performance enhancer. They should be aware of the caffeine content they're ingesting and any other stimulants within their drink.
CNN: Who should be extra cautious with energy drinks?
Wen: Children are a primary concern, as they should avoid energy drinks entirely. Other individuals who are cautious include those with chronic heart problems or high blood pressure because caffeine and stimulants in the energy drinks can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Those with abnormal heart rhythms or a tendency for developing them, patients with chronic kidney problems, and people on certain medications should avoid these drinks.
Caffeine can interact with medications, such as anti-depressants, seizure medications, and diabetes medications. Individuals with underlying medical conditions and on medication should consult their primary care provider regarding energy drink consumption.
CNN: Are there better alternatives to combat fatigue and enhance energy levels?
Wen: Yes, there are. Energy drinks may provide a quick energy boost, but they have several risks and are not a long-term solution.
If you're constantly feeling drained, it's crucial to figure out the root cause. Check if there are hidden health issues, like anemia, low thyroid function, or sleep apnea. Examine your sleeping pattern and consider modifying certain sleep routines. An alteration in your dining habits might also boost your energy levels. Incorporating physical exercises into your daily routine could also be beneficial.
Remember to maintain adequate hydration. Something as basic as drinking sufficient amounts of fluids daily could prove more effective than energy drinks, and it eliminates the potential health risks associated with excessive stimulant consumption.
People seeking healthier alternatives to combat fatigue and increase energy levels might consider adjusting their dining habits or incorporating physical exercises into their daily routine. Dr. Wen emphasizes that water remains the best option for hydration for most individuals, and those with underlying medical conditions should consult their primary care provider before consuming energy drinks.
