Study finds harmed blood vessels after one drink

Years of research has identified a variety of serious health risks associated with downing a couple of energy drinks, such as liver damage, increased blood pressure, tooth erosion and more.

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Despite the warnings, energy drinks are still among the most commonly used dietary supplements in the United States. In fact, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, "almost one-third of teens between 12 and 17 years drink them regularly."

Now, new research to be presented at the American Heart Association's summit in Chicago.

For the study, the scientists at the McGovern Medical School in Houston examined 44 nonsmoking young and healthy medical students in their 20s. They tested baseline endothelial function (or blood vessel function) and then tested it again 90 minutes after the participants consumed one 24-ounce energy drink. Endothelial function is a powerful indicator of cardiovascular risk.

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The researchers also recorded artery flow-mediated dilation using an ultrasound that reveals the blood vessel health before and after the 90-minute mark.

What they found was an acute impairment in vascular function after just one drink. At baseline, dilation vessel was, on average, 5.1 percent in diameter. After 90 minutes and one drink later, the dilation fell to 2.8 percent in diameter.

According to lead researcher John Higgins, that reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery.

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"It's more work for the heart and less oxygen supply for the heart. This could explain why there have been cardiac arrests after an energy drink, "he told HealthDay.

The reduction of the effects of coronary heart disease, stroke or rheumatoid heart disease, in addition to other vascular diseases.

Higgins and his colleagues believe that the combination of caffeine, taurine, sugar and other ingredients are responsible for any negative effects.

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As the American Heart Association, "added sugars contribute zero nutrients but many added calories that can lead to extra pounds or even obesity, reducing heart health."

And while caffeine has been reduced to 400 milligrams for adults. But some energy drinks contain more than 200 milligrams per ounce, including the concentrated so-called "energy shots."

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Still, industry groups argue their drinks are safe.

"Mainstream energy drinks contain the same side of a similarly sized cup of coffeehouse, and have been extensively studied and confirmed safe for consumption by government safety authorities worldwide," William Dermody, spokesperson for the American Beverage Association, said in response to study. "Nothing in this preliminary research counters this well-established fact."

The researchers are scheduled to present their findings, published on Monday, Nov. 12.