Caffeinated energy drinks are a growing concern and doctors need to be familiar with potential health consequences for their patients, researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore say in a new study.
There are increasing reports of caffeine intoxication from energy drinks, and problems with caffeine dependence and withdrawal are expected to increase.
“Considering the variable and sometimes very high caffeine content of energy drinks, in combination with aggressive marketing to youthful and inexperienced consumers, it would be prudent to require full disclosure of the amount of caffeine and other ingredients in energy drinks on the product labelling,” states the study by Chad Reissig, Eric Strain and Roland Griffiths of the university’s School of Medicine.
The researchers note that 41 cases of caffeine abuse from caffeine-enhanced beverages were reported to a U.S. poison control centre from 2002 to 2004. And another centre reported nine adverse reactions to the energy drink Redline between January 2004 and March 2006; eight of the nine patients were male, and the youngest was 13.
Various symptoms included nausea and vomiting, fast heartbeat, hypertension, tremors, dizziness, chest pain and numbness.
“Product label warnings about the risks when used alone and in combination with alcohol would also be appropriate,” says the study, published Wednesday in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
“Restrictions on advertising and the aggressive marketing of energy drinks to youthful and inexperienced users should also be considered.”
According to the Health Canada website, “energy drinks are meant to supply mental and physical stimulation for a short period of time.”
They should not be confused with sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade, which rehydrate the body, the website states.
Red Bull Energy Drink is authorized for sale as a natural health product in Canada, but the safety of other “energy drinks” has not yet been evaluated under natural health product regulations, the website says.
Health Canada notes that the limit on Red Bull Energy Drink is 500 ml or two cans a day, as indicated on the label, and it should not be mixed with alcohol.
