FUEL: September 2012

Energy Drinks.....giving you more than just energy

You’ve seen them out there - on convenience store counters, gas station kiosks, even the grocery store checkout line...energy drinks, “supplements” and shots are everywhere.  Marketed as safe for use, some with caffeine, some without, some loaded with B-vitamins, others with herbal supplements, they all tout they’ll increase energy levels safely and without side effects.  

Energy drinks have been on the market for 20 years, with the past few years seeing a huge increase in sales and marketing.  Many products are specifically targeted to children and young adults and even those involved in athletic endeavours.  Unfortunately, some research shows that using these products before or during intense exercise can actually harm an athlete by preventing absorption of fluid which results in dehydration.

SIDE EFFECTS? Yes.
Multiple studies have found that all energy “supplements” studied had side effects ranging from heart palpitations and increased blood pressure (common with stimulants) all the way to seizures, cardiac arrest and death.  Particularly susceptible are those who take medication daily, have chronic illness (heart conditions) and/or behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and for people with diabetes, a rapidly growing segment of the population, the very high sugar content often found in these drinks is particularly troubling.  

STIMULANTS? Yes.
Many of these products contain caffeine in varying amounts, but there are usually other additives including Guarana, Yohimbine and Theobromine.  While these are naturally occurring chemicals, overexposure can lead to a host of side effects including difficulty urinating, vomiting, abdominal cramps, spasms, heart arrhythmias, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, sleeplessness, tremors, restlessness and anxiety.  These substances are not regulated by the FDA, so long term or in-depth studies have not been performed and therefore long term effects are unknown.  

The gist?  If you are a young, healthy adult, the likelihood of these products causing harm if used as directed seems slim, but unfortunately the further away you get from young, or healthy or adult, the more caution required.  Most experts agree that getting enough sleep (6-10 hours) every night, avoiding caffeine products after the morning hours and taking frequent movement breaks to get energized is the better long term option!

Written by Lindsay Eisenhart, a self-proclaimed Nutrition Geek.  You can find Lindsay balancing life as a mom of 3, manager of Pro-Activity's Fuel Good Cafe, and training for her third marathon (NYC '12)!