According to the Daily Free Press, energy drink consumption has gone up 240 percent from 2004 to 2009.  Energy drinks are said to increase energy and to make those who drink them more alert; however, these drinks can be quite dangerous if consumed in excess.

Energy drinks contain a large amount of caffeine, most containing 100-200mg of caffeine, this is more than a typical cup of coffee.  This may not seem like a big deal, but too much caffeine can be harmful. According to the Mayo Clinic consuming more than 500 milligrams per day caffeine can cause insomnia, irritability, anxiety, nausea, headaches, and rapid heart beat.  If in need of an energy boost there are several health conscious alternatives.

Dave Dade, a nutritionist at the Meyer Center, suggests that energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster should be avoided as much as possible. “Energy drinks are things like Gatorade, Powerade, and other drinks with caloric value,” Dade said.  He considers these other “energy drinks” to be more like stimulants because most of them contain caffeine and substances like Guarana and B vitamins, but are sugar and calorie free.  Our bodies get energy from calories, so how is a calorie free drink supposed to energize the consumer, Dade explained. 

Energy drink companies cram their products full of ingredients to make consumers alert and energized.  Most energy drinks contain taurine, yerba mate, and guarana, and ginseng. According to Adam Pruett, Nutrition Center Coordinator at St. John’s Hospital, “Medications interact with herbal ingredients and may cause problems. If a person has prior heart issues, then caffeine should be monitored.”

Taurine is an amino acid that is produced naturally in the body. The body uses taurine in times of stress and athletic performances, but it has an unnatural effect of stimulation on the central nervous system. 

Yerba Mate comes from a tropical plant and contains caffeine; however, according to Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic nutritionist, “People who drink large amounts of yerba mate over prolonged periods may be at increased risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, esophagus and lungs.

Pruett explained, “Guarana is a major source of caffeine and can promote ‘caffeine intoxication’ when combined with other caffeine sources.  When ginseng is combined with caffeine it may stimulate high blood pressure.  Individuals should not consume more than 600mg of ginseng extract per day.”

Before consuming an energy drink an, individual should ask if it is something that he or she really needs.  Those with heart problems and those on certain medications should beware when consuming these drinks.

Pruett also prefers that people eliminate these types of energy drinks from their diet as well. However, “If you can’t break the habit, then two to three eight ounce drinks daily would be the limit,” Pruett suggested.