Energy drink research

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Surging global demand for high-caffeine energy drinks has led to increased

reports of negative health impacts linked to the stimulant's use in

beverages, according to a new review.

Researchers from Hopkins University suggest that the labelling and

aggressive marketing of some energy

drinks<http://www.nutraingredients.com/content/search?SearchText=energy+drinks>,

particularly towards young males, could lead to increased incidences of

caffeine dependence and withdrawal in consumers.

As a stimulant, caffeine, which is present in a wealth of drinks such as tea

and coffee<http://www.nutraingredients.com/content/search?SearchText=coffee>,

has been linked to both a number of possible health benefits for heart and

memory as well as more detrimental impacts.

*Caffeine comparison*

In the findings published online in the journal *Drug and Alcohol Dependence

*, lead researcher Chad Reissig said that a large number of energy drinks

had found their way to market in the last decade with a range of caffeine

content.

This has varied from 50 mg to 505 mg, with the growing popularity amidst all

age groups, including younger people not as habitual in their consumption of

caffeine.

By comparison, the research indicated that according to manufacturer

provided information, a standard can of Coca-Cola or Pepsi cola contained

34.5 mg and 38 mg respectively.

*Industry wide scope*

Reissig stressed that energy drinks were not solely behind any potential

growth in caffeine intake and that over types of beverage may also have an

impact on adverse reactions to the stimulant.

* " The consumption of energy drinks may increase the risk for caffeine

overdose in caffeine abstainers as well as habitual consumers of caffeine

from coffee, soft drinks, and tea, " * he stated. * " The potential for acute

caffeine toxicity due to consumption of energy drinks may be greater than

other dietary sources of caffeine. " *

As part of the review's conclusions, the researchers said that there were a

number of reasons to support the hypothesis linking energy drinks to

concerns over higher rates of caffeine toxicity.

* " **Most energy drinks do not label their product with the amount of

caffeine, and [in the **US**], are not required to display warning labels

advising proper use, " * the researchers said. * " Many energy drinks are also

marketed with claims of performance enhancing effects although, the

existence and extent of such effects is subject to debate. " *

The review also claimed that a lack of restriction on energy drink sales to

adolescents and children, who are generally less experienced in consuming

caffeine and less tolerant to any effects it may have on them, was another

concern.

*Caffeine toxicity*

Reissig and his team said that concerns over energy drinks stemmed from the

potential adverse consequences of higher caffeine intake on consumers.

The clinical syndrome known as caffeine

intoxication<http://www.nutraingredients.com/content/search?SearchText=caffeine+\

intoxication>was

highlighted in the study as a particular concern, having been linked

to

a number of symptoms like nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia,

gastrointestinal upset, tremors, tachycardia and psychomotor agitation.

Some studies have also suggested that the symptoms of caffeine intoxication

closely resemble those of other anxiety and mood disorders, according to the

review.

Caffeine withdrawal was another area of concern suggested by the review.

In more than 60 studies published over the last ten years, headaches, or

varying severity, have been found to occur about 12 to 24 hours after the

last dose of caffeine is taken by some consumers.

* " In addition to headache, other caffeine withdrawal symptoms include

tiredness/fatigue, sleepiness/drowsiness, dysphoric mood, difficulty

concentrating/decreased cognitive performance, depression and irritability, "

* the report stated.

*Caffeinated beverage safety claim*

The British Soft Drink Association (BSDA), which represents a number of

manufacturers in the sector, claimed that energy drinks were safe for human

consumption and were strongly regulated across Europe.

* " There is an extensive set of regulations regarding composition and

labelling with which the industry complies, " * he stated. * " In fact, many

companies go further and label their drinks as being not recommended for

children or persons sensitive to caffeine. " *

Source: *Drug and Alcohol Dependence*

Published online, doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.08.001

" Caffeinated energy drinks - A growing problem "

Authors: C.J Reissig, et al

--

Ortiz, RD

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