The Effect of Acute Consumption of Energy Drinks on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Blood Glucose in the Group of Young Adults

Abstract

Background: Energy drinks (EDs) are very popular among young people, who consume them for various reasons. A standard ED typically contains 80 mg of caffeine, as well as glucose, taurine, vitamins and other ingredients. Excessive consumption of EDs and accumulation of the above ingredients, as well as their mutual interactions, can be hazardous to the health of young adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of acute consumption of energy drinks on blood pressure, heart rate and blood glucose. Methods: The study involved 68 volunteers, healthy young adults (mean age 25 years), who were divided into two groups: the first consumed three EDs at one-hour intervals, and the second drank the same amount of water. All participants had their blood pressure (BP)—systolic and diastolic (SBP and DBP)—as well as heart rate (HR) and blood glucose (BG) measured. In addition, participants could report any health problems before and after consuming each portion of ED. Results: In the above experiment, having consumed three portions of ED (240 mg of caffeine), the participants presented a significant increase in DBP (p = 0.003), by over 8%, which coincided with a lack of any significant impact on SBP (p = 0.809). No significant changes were noted in HR (p = 0.750). Consumption of EDs caused a significant increase (p < 0.001) in BG, by ca. 21%, on average. Some participants reported various discomforts, which escalated after 2 and 3 EDs. Conclusions: Acute consumption of EDs contributed to increased diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose and level of discomfort in healthy young people. Our results reinforce the need for further studies on a larger population to provide sufficient evidence.

The metabolic disorders associated with chronic consumption of soft and energy drinks in rats*

“…In our study, a significant increase was observed in fasting blood glucose in ED-treated rats compared to the control or SD group. These findings are in agreement with previously reported results that revealed a significant alteration in blood glucose after ED administration (Nowak et al, 2018). Interestingly, SD administration did not result in a significant increase in fasting blood glucose compared to the controls.…”

“…The significant improvement in the pain threshold is one positive effect that was observed in animals consuming either SD or ED compared to the control ones, which can be ascribed to their caffeine content. However, the other observed effects including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and obesity, in addition to the previously reported effects of these drinks on blood pressure and heart rate, excitation and palpitation suggest the regular consumption of ED, especially over a long period of time, as a possible risk factor for CVS (Ugwuja, 2014;Nowak et al, 2018).…”

Assessment of Antioxidant Properties of Classic Energy Drinks in Comparison with Fruit Energy Drinks

“…Furthermore, excessive consumption of EDs may be associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, due to the synergistic effect of glucose and caffeine [12,13]. Previous studies showed that consumption of energy drinks (EDs) rich in caffeine and sugar may have an adverse effect on human health, mainly by raising arterial blood pressure and blood glucose level; in the long-term, it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes [8,[44][45][46]. The problem increases when the excessive consumption of EDs is combined with the simultaneous consumption of other sources of caffeine, such as coffee or cola-type beverages.…”

Consumption of energy drinks and assessment of blood pressure values among young adults

“…This causes an accumulation of caffeine in the body. Consuming energy drinks and coffee leads to individuals exceeding the daily norm of caffeine consumption [23]. This summation causes a rapid increase in blood pressure [24].…”

“…literature states that after prolonged use of energy drinks, the body adapts to high doses of caffeine and individuals no longer notice any symptoms after consuming such a drink. in order for a stimulating effect to appear, more and more doses of stimulants are needed [23]. This is a dangerous phenomenon that leads to addiction and the effects of caffeine withdrawal [27].…”