Energy drinks can affect heart muscles, new study from Texas A&M finds

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – A new study by researchers at Texas A&M has found that certain energy drinks can have harmful effects on the muscle cells of the heart.

The study, published in Food and chemical toxicology, found that consuming certain energy drinks was linked to inappropriate heartbeats, cardiomyopathy, increased blood pressure, and other heart problems.

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“Because the consumption of these drinks is not regulated and they are widely available over the counter to all age groups, the potential for adverse health effects of these products is a matter of concern and concerns. research needed, ”said Professor Dr Ivan Rusyn. in the Department of Integrative Veterinary Biosciences at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Indeed, the consumption of energy drinks has been linked to a wide range of adverse health effects in humans, many of which relate to effects on the heart.”

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The researchers evaluated 17 over-the-counter brands and were able to deduce which ingredients could contribute the most to side effects. They determined that theophylline, adenine and azelate were substances that could have negative effects on the heart, but said more research was needed.

“This study shows that some of the energy drinks tested may have effects on human cardiomyocytes, and these data support other studies in humans,” Rusyn said in a press release from the university. “Therefore, we hope consumers will carefully weigh the performance-enhancing benefits of these drinks against emerging data which suggests they may have real adverse effects.

“We also hope that the Food and Drug Administration takes a closer look at whether these drinks may need to be carefully considered for possible labeling of their adverse health effects, and whether certain age groups and susceptible subpopulations should be discouraged for consumption. of these drinks. “