Energy drinks are one of the most controversial drinks an athlete takes during their lifetime. Most drinks packed with 160-200 mg which is a high dose of sugar intake for a regular teen. Drinking a can can enhance performance but also post some potential health risks. These health risk pose a threat to the future of caffeine intake amongst athletes.
Energy drinks are typically composed of a carbohydrate source, B vitamins, caffeine, and possibly other minor ingredients, such as the amino acids taurine and L-carnitine and some herbs. Despite the great deal of data on caffeine and the use of carbohydrates to enhance aerobic exercise performance, there is little data on the effects of energy drinks on exercise performance.
“Drinking a monster or any drink after basketball really got me off my game. It’s something I regret when I played in the team” said Mina Torres, junior
Athlete testimonies say that they do not recommend energy drinks for participating in exercise lasting less than 1 hour because most athlete’s body function shut down. This would mean a weak performance for those who ingest it.
Even when consumption of an energy drink results in a statistical increase in performance for a period of time. It will not transform anyone into the next Olympic athlete overnight.
Before you trash your energy drinks and have caffeine withdrawals, let’s take a look at the fine print. Insomnia, anxiety, headache, dehydration, rapid heart rate, seizures, and even cardiac arrest have been associated with energy drink consumption. Highly caffeinated beverages used with other stimulants, such as nicotine, or with prescription drugs can over-stimulate the brain and body, causing amplified effects.
According to consumer reports, 400 milligrams per day of caffeine is considered safe for healthy adults. The potentially dangerous consequences are more likely to occur with very high intakes of caffeine in a short period of time, since our bodies absorb 99% of caffeine consumed within forty-five minutes.
Energy drinks, especially in sensible amounts, seem to be safe, but, as the intake increases, so does the risk for undesired side effects. Further insight on the potential harmful effects of energy drinks is expected. If you’re an energy drink addict, don’t ditch all of them just yet. As with most things in life, moderation is the key.
