"What we know now, energy drinks can contain a quarter cup of sugar and contain more caffeine than a cup of black coffee," said John Higgins, a researcher from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Texas, Houston, USA, which includes research in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings November issue .
Levels of caffeine in energy drinks can be very diverse, ie between 70 and 200 milligrams per 16 ounces of presentation. In comparison, 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 40-150 mg of caffeine, depending on how the coffee is brewed.
"Another issue the spotlight is not all ingredients in energy drinks listed on packaging labels. The materials of herbal stimulants like guarana, amino acid taurine, as well as herbs, minerals, and other vitamins that may interact with caffeine escape the label, "Higgins said as quoted by Reuters.
Concern is, how to mix these materials will affect heart rate, blood pressure, and even mental condition, especially when consumed in large quantities with alcohol or when consumed by athletes.
Higgins and colleagues reviewed the medical literature about energy drinks and its constituent materials between 1976 and 2010. Tim Higgins found only a few studies on the effects of it.
Norway, Denmark, and France has recently banned the circulation of energy drink Red Bull after a study on rats show, "The rats were given taurine showed bizarre behavior such as anxiety and suicide."
"We are not rats. However, the consumption of these beverages has shown a positive relationship with high-risk behavior," wrote Higgis and colleagues.
Energy drinks are often promoted and used by athletes to get "extra boost". However, Higgins and his team said that energy drinks cause dehydration serious risk to users. It's based on how caffeine and other ingredients in affecting the human body.
"Water or low-octane sports drinks that contain electrolytes, minerals and carbohydrates to be a better choice," he added.
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