The Impact of Energy Drinks on Adolescents' Health: A Review

Abstract

Energy Drinks (ED) are beverages formulated to improve alertness, concentration, and physical performance. Recently, they have been widely consumed by adolescents because of their perceived ability. Their presence in the market has grown exponentially, mainly in urban areas. However, growing evidence indicates that excessive consumption is associated with cardiovascular, psychological, gastrointestinal upset, neurological, metabolic, muscle twitching, restlessness, and periods of inexhaustibility. Recent studies have found that ED consumption is associated with increased blood pressure, platelet aggregation, and arrhythmias. Several case reports have described individuals who experienced ventricular fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest shortly after consuming ED. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood but may involve the effects of caffeine and other ingredients on the sympathetic and cardiovascular systems. This review revealed essential aspects to understand these growing dilemmas in urban countries around the world: The composition of ED, their physiological effects, health consequences, and public health implications.