Celi E*, Espinoza C, Paredes A, Fabara J, Velin D and Montenegro M
According to Resolution 4150 of 2009 of the Ministry of Social Protection, an energy drink (stimulant) is a non-alcoholic beverage, generally carbonated, basically composed of caffeine, carbohydrates and various sugars of different absorption speed, plus other ingredients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals and vegetable extracts, accompanied by acidulate additives, preservatives, flavorings and colorings.
These have been shown to generate detrimental effects on health after consumption, due to their components.
Side effects have been reported at the neurological and cardiovascular levels, in addition to being associated with withdrawal symptoms, such as headache, irritability, drowsiness, and alterations in mental state, insomnia, tremor, nausea, restlessness, palpitations, anxiety, gastrointestinal disorders and increased blood pressure. Other studies have shown possible clastogenic and cytotoxic effects of energy drinks.
Among the effects evidenced in multiple studies, an increase over the basal level of systolic blood pressure between 9-10 mmHg and diastolic of 3 mmHg has been observed after the consumption of Red Bull, likewise, an increase in heart rate of approximately 5 to 7 beats / min, an increase in cardiac output, respiratory rate, an increase in vascular resistance at brain level, a decrease in blood flow velocity of the brain, among others, has been evidenced. As time went by, this became more noticeable in the marking, and an increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed after the consumption of energy drinks, as well as an increase in heart rate, serum noradrenaline values by 75%, and an increase in the QT interval by 5%. In one study, it was also evidenced that, after the consumption of large amounts, there was a prolongation of the QTc interval of up to 20 ms, which is significant when correlated with the risk of arrhythmias; it is important to consider that an increase of more than 10 ms is considered worrisome.
The use of caffeine at mild to moderate doses in order to generate a short-term ergogenic effect is safe and effective. It is important to take into consideration prior to supplementation the form of presentation, concentration, interactions, time of administration among other things to maximize the benefit and avoid adverse effects of these beverages.
Published Date: 2022-06-16; Received Date: 2022-05-17
