Behind the Hidden Risks of Energy Drinks

Houston, energy drinks seem familiar in the community. But a new study shows that many hidden health hazards of energy drinks.

"Energy drinks can contain a quarter cup of sugar and also contains more caffeine than a cup of coffee," said John Higgins, from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, as reported by FoxNews, Tuesday (16/11/2010).

Higgins explained that the caffeine content of energy drinks range from 70-200 mg per 453 grams. For comparison, a cup of coffee (226 grams) can contain 40 to 150 mg of caffeine, depending on how penyeduhannya. Because high levels of caffeine that makes people who drink energy drinks have always felt more excited.

"Even more than that, sometimes there are ingredients that are not listed on the label, such as the stimulant guarana, taurine amino acids, minerals and vitamins, and other materials that can interact with caffeine. Usually well mixed energy drinks with alcohol," said Higgins.

That should be a concern, obviously Higgins, the interaction between these materials can affect heart rate, blood pressure and even mental state, especially when consumed in large quantities, especially for athletes.

Higgins and colleagues have reviewed the medical literature on energy drinks and materials contained in it from 1976 to 2010.

From several studies, the active young adults shows that energy drinks can increase blood pressure and heart rate. It could even cause more serious effects such as heart attacks, seizures and death.

Research in mice showed that taurine can also make these rodents behave strangely, such as anxiety or self-mutilation.

"We are not rats, but consumption of energy drinks has been shown to relate to high-risk behavior," said Higgins.

Energy drinks are often promoted to support the performance of athletes. But Higgins and colleagues noted that caffeine and some other material contained in it can actually affect the body, even for short-term cause dehydration.

"People who suffer from hypertension should not drink energy drinks. In addition, people with certain health conditions such as heart disease should also consult a physician before consuming energy drinks," suggested Higgins.

Merry Wahyuningsih - detikHealth