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MONDAY, Nov. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) – Caffeine-laden energy drinks are popular, but they might make your blood cells less efficient, a small study suggests.
These drinks – sold as Monster and Red Bull, to name two – have been linked to heart, nerve and stomach problems, researchers say.
"A lot of young kids use energy drinks when they exercise," said lead researcher Dr. John Higgins. He is a professor of medicine at the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
Exercise and sports require maximum oxygen flow so quickly, Higgins said. Energy drinks that reduce the vessels' diameter, in effect,
"It's more work for the heart and the oxygen supply for the heart." This could explain why there had been a cardiac arrest after an energy drink, "he said.
Higgins said, people often chug energy drinks so they get the full effect in one shot, and that might be dangerous.
"These drinks are not intended for children," Higgins warned. In addition, people under 18, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, caffeine-sensitive individuals, those taking stimulants or caffeine-based drugs or those with heart disease should stay away from energy drinks, he added.
The study included 44 healthy, non-smoking medical students in their 20s. The researchers tested the effect of a 24-ounce energy drink on cells lining blood vessels, called endothelial cells.
The function of these cells was tested before and after the participants consumed the energy drink, and again 90 minutes later. The researchers looked at the artery flow-mediated dilation – an ultrasound measurement that is an indicator of overall blood vessel health.
After 90 minutes, the test is dramatically smaller, on average, than before, the investigators found.
Caffeine, taurine, sugar and other herbals, the researchers suggested. Taurine is an amino acid that is increasing energy and has been extracted from bulls – hence the name Red Bull, the researchers said.
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