Node Smith, ND
Not in everyone, but in those with an increased risk of current cardiovascular disease, energy drinks may not be a good idea. A team of researchers has recently found that consumption of a single energy drink can decrease the diameter of blood vessels by an average of 50 percent.1
Narrowing vasculature & blood flow
As vasculature narrows, the blood supply to end organs is also diminished, which can lead to a myriad of concerning symptoms and pathological processes, including heart attack and stroke. The thought is that the combination of caffeine and sugar are responsible for this effect. Within 90 minutes, an individual could be at significantly higher risk for a cardiac event after drinking an energy drink.
Research of this kind is the first study to show the mechanism by which this harm may occur
Previous research has shown that these beverages are associated with nerve and stomach issues and can also cause heart problems. High consumption of them is also linked to metabolic disorders. This research is the first study to show the mechanism by which this harm may occur.
Study looked at 44 students in their 20s; endothelium tested in this study
The study looked at 44 students in their 20s. The participants were all non-smokers and generally considered healthy. The endothelium was tested in this study. An examination was given to each participant to assess endothelial function before a 24-oz energy drink was consumed. After 90 minutes, endothelial function was assessed again. Ultrasound was also used to determine arterial blood flow, diameter of arteries, and overall vascular health.
90-minute mark
At the 90-minute mark, the diameter of the arteries was seen to diminish by 50% on average. The effect was thought to be due to the high levels of caffeine, taurine and sugar in the drinks.
Sugar found to be primary agent of demise
The primary agent of this effect was found to be sugar. A 12 oz can of Red Bull contains over 9 teaspoons of sugar. Such extreme amounts of sugar can cause blood vessels to contract. Also, caffeine can cause blood vessels to contract by supporting the release of adrenaline. Energy drinks contain around 80mg of caffeine per 250ml (about the amount of 2.5 cans of cola).
Important to study effects of these drinks due to increasing popularity
Dr John Higgins, the study leader, said, “As energy drinks are becoming more and more popular, it is important to study the effects of these drinks on those who frequently drink them and better determine what, if any, is a safe consumption pattern.”
Node Smith, ND, is a naturopathic physician in Portland, OR and associate editor for NDNR. He has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine among the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend camp-out where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Four years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.
