Energy drinks: what they contain and when they can cause harm

Energy drinks are very popular, especially among young people and adolescents, who use them for a variety of reasons, from sports activities to exam preparation and during times of particular stress. According to Eurostat data, 13,3% of young European adults are regular consumers of these drinks. The reason is simple: they provide energy, combat fatigue, and help with concentration. But at what cost? And what are the risks? To answer these questions, we must start with the substances contained in energy drinks: taurine, caffeine, vitamins, guarana, and ginseng. But also a lot of sugar.

Index of topics

Taurine

It is an amino acid that regulates carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, modulates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. One of its effects is to regulate the Calcium in muscle fibers, thus increasing muscle strength. However, taurine, especially when combined with caffeine, can lead to significant blood pressure swings. In Italy, the permitted dosage is 75-80 milligrams per can.

Caffeine

It's the main ingredient in many energy drinks (each can contains the equivalent of five cups of coffee), as it stimulates the central nervous system and increases overall performance in terms of attention, alertness, and concentration. But caffeine, especially in high doses (in Italy the limit is 1.000 milligrams per can), can also lead to:

Anxiety and nervousness
Panic attacks
Insomnia
Increased blood pressure
Addiction
Headache and withdrawal fatigue

Guarana and ginseng

They are mixed with numerous additives, including preservatives and colorings. Guarana, in particular, contains caffeine, which adds to the caffeine already found in energy drinks, and can, like ginseng, interact with medications, alter metabolism, and cause side effects.

Sugars

They represent the most dangerous part of the substances contained in energy drinks, which are widely used. This means an increase in calories in the daily diet, an expected weight gain (especially if the consumption of energy drinks is not accompanied by regular physical activity), dental problems, starting from caries. And for those most exposed to sugar damage there is also the risk of metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Vitamins

The vitamins most commonly found in energy drinks are B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, and B12, due to their water solubility and relative ease of urinary excretion. Excessive intake can lead to hypervitaminosis, with symptoms ranging from nausea to liver problems.

European Union guidelines

According to the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA), caffeine consumption should be no more than 400 mg per day per 70 kg of body weight. On the other hand, the standard levels of D-glucuronolactone and taurine in energy drinks are 2.400 mg and 4.000 mg per liter, respectively. The no-observed-effect level (NOAEL) for D-glucuronolactone intake is currently 1.000 mg. per kilogram of body weight per day, while taurine is generally considered safe at daily reference levels of 1.400 mg per 70 kg of body weight. Consumers with a body weight of 40 kg are at risk of sleep disturbances with consumption of 250 ml or more.

Countries where energy drinks are banned

In some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, energy drinks are banned, and in others (such as France, Denmark, Iceland, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania) they can only be purchased by adults.

Most famous brands

The two best-known energy drink brands are Red Bull and Monster, whose revenues are constantly growing. This is also thanks to an ever-expanding selection. Red Bull, for example, is also available in watermelon, dragon fruit, coconut-acai, and apricot-strawberry flavors. Monster offers several lines; in addition to the classic Monster Energy, there's Monster Ultra (six different flavors), Juiced Monster (with fruit juice), and Rehab Monster, which features iced tea. In supermarkets ci There are also other energy drink brands, such as Burn energy drink, Blitz energy drink, Crazy Tiger, San Benedetto and Lemonsoda, while Coop stores offer energy drinks under their own brand.