Energy drinks are easily accessible, and potentially addictive. They claim to improve performance, increase concentration, and stimulate metabolism, but these highly caffeinated, sugar-laden beverages are causing considerable concern among health professionals.
Excessive caffeine has been linked to elevated heart rates, hypertension, anxiety, headaches, and interrupted sleep patterns. Some energy drinks warn that they're not for use by individuals younger than 18, those pregnant or nursing, or if there's a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, caffeine-sensitivity, glaucoma, and other ailments. But most carry no warning.
A cup of brewed coffee has between 80 and 135 milligrams of caffeine. Some energy drinks contain two to three times that amount plus the equivalent of 5 teaspoons of sugar.
For more information about the dangers of caffeine and energy drinks click here.
