Energy drinks are becoming popular all over the world especially among youngsters. These drinks generally pose little or no risk when consumed in moderation. But, if you exceed the recommended serving, you might experience some unpleasant side effects of energy drinks. In this article, we reveal the side effects of some common ingredients in energy drinks when consumed in excess.
Effects of Energy Drinks
Caffeine
In energy drinks, caffeine can be mentioned as coffee extract, green tea extract or guarana. Overdose of caffeine can create the following effects:
- Jittery feeling, nervousness, nausea, irritability and dizziness.
- Allergic reactions include vomiting, trouble sleeping, shakiness, diarrhea, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, itching, hives and rash.
- Withdrawal symptoms include severe fatigue and headache.
- Females may experience breast shrinkage.
Sugar
Energy drinks are rich in sugar and thus increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The high sugar content can cause insulin spikes.
B Vitamins
Consuming greater than 35 mg of vitamin B3 (niacin) can lead to skin flushing. Greater than 100mg of B6 could lead to skin lesions or burning sensation.
Inositol
Large doses of Inositol are known to cause diarrhea.
Ginseng
Overdose of ginseng can cause breast pain, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, nose bleeding, headaches, diarrhea and nausea.
Glucuronolactone
There is a raging debate regarding the safety of this ingredient. As a result, France, Germany, England and Canada have banned it in non-prescription products.
Ginkgo Biloba
Side effects include restlessness, heart palpitations, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. It can interact with anti-depressants and blood thinners.
L-Carnitine
Overdose can cause difficulty in sleeping, restlessness, stuffy nose, diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting.
L-Theanine
Consuming greater than 300 mg of this green tea extract can cause light-headedness. Similar to caffeine, it produces a type of alert feeling.
More Effects of Energy Drinks
You should never drink energy drinks while exercising because the caffeine and sugar in them prevent the body from absorbing water. Energy drinks mixed with alcohol can cause health risks such as elevated blood pressure, racing heart beat and sometimes even heart attack. Besides, the caffeine in energy drinks can mask the effects of alcohol and make you feel alert. Some people are thus tempted to go driving after drinking energy drinks with alcohol.
Summary
More research is needed on the long term effects of energy drinks on the body and mind. The above mentioned ingredients can accumulate in the body when these drinks are consumed regularly over a period of time. So, consume energy drinks in moderation or avoid them altogether to maintain your good health.
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