Dark Side of Energy Drinks for Adolescents

Furthermore, when consumed in combination with illicit stimulants or by individuals with chronic medical conditions, energy drinks can frequently cause adverse cardiovascular events such as myocardial ischemia and cardiac arrhythmias. Studies have shown that in adults, the acute consumption of energy drinks can lead to increased arterial blood pressure, while in juveniles, it causes arterial stiffness and increased blood pressure while lowering the efficiency of the left ventricle.

Various studies have also reported the hepatic, neuropsychological, and renal impacts of acute energy drink consumption. In the present study, the researchers reviewed case reports in English that comprised a study population below the age of 18 years with confirmed consumption of energy drinks. The results reported associations between excessive energy drink consumption and various adverse effects on health in minors. A total of 18 cases were included in the review, and a majority of the health events were related to the neuropsychiatric or cardiovascular systems. Furthermore, 61% of these cases were associated with preexisting health conditions or the existence of other potential triggers.

About 45% of the case reports included in the review reported cardiovascular events such as arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and acute coronary artery vasospasm. While in some cases, there were preexisting health conditions or potential triggers, in a few cases, cardiovascular adverse events occurred without other triggers or medical conditions after the consumption of large amounts of energy drinks over multiple days. One case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection occurred after the consumption of a reasonable amount of caffeinated energy drinks.

The high caffeine content of energy drinks is believed to be associated with adverse cardiovascular effects since caffeine is linked to increased left-ventricular inotropy and vasoconstriction, leading to high blood pressure. In addition, high consumption of energy drinks was also thought to increase arterial stiffness and the occurrence of supraventricular extrasystoles and cause higher diastolic and systolic blood pressure. While the neuropsychiatric impacts of energy drinks remain largely understudied, the chronic consumption of caffeinated energy drinks is thought to be linked to panic attacks, psychotic episodes, hyperexcitability, and overexcitation of the brain cortex leading to headaches. Furthermore, a recent study on the consumption of energy drinks by adults reported that four cases experienced new-onset seizures after consuming energy drinks containing the amino acid taurine and caffeine, and the seizures resolved once the consumption

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