Energy drinks and their effects: what you should know about them

Energy drinks are drunk because of their effectiveness against fatigue and to increase performance. Whether in the office or at the party - make yourself aware of what the energy-increasing drinks actually do to your body.

The effect of energy drinks

Energy drinks contain a lot of sugar, caffeine, colors and flavors as well as, depending on the brand, taurine or guarana.

• The sweet drinks are stimulating. They wake you up and ensure that you can concentrate better. The performance increases.
• This effect is mainly due to the caffeine, or alternatively guarana. Adults should consume a maximum of 200 milligrams of caffeine daily. This corresponds to two to three cans of energy drink.
• The large amount of sugar is also responsible for the fact that you can achieve more after enjoying an energy drink. It quickly provides the body with energy - but also many calories. There are around nine cubes of sugar in a quarter liter. Sugar-free energy drinks are not as intense.
• The taurine ensures that caffeine and sugar work faster. What else the substance triggers in the body has not yet been sufficiently scientifically researched. Especially if the taurine is drunk for a long time and in large quantities.

The side effects of energy drinks

The legally binding maximum amount of caffeine is 320 milligrams per liter, with taurine at 4, 000 milligrams. Energy drinks must also include the note, "Increased caffeine content. Not recommended for children and pregnant or lactating women." to be marked.

• More than two cans of energy drink a day can be problematic. Heart rate increases and this can be dangerous for people with heart and vascular diseases.
• Coupled with alcohol, the popular drinks can trigger cardiac arrhythmia and kidney problems. The feeling of drunkenness is reduced and the willingness to take risks increases. This entails an increased risk of accidents.
• Athletic people should also be careful with energy drinks. Their performance-enhancing effect accelerates the pulse and encourages you to push your own limits. Risk of injury and circulatory problems.
• Drinking several doses a day can cause these symptoms: nervousness, insomnia, nausea, headache, high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. In the worst case, there is a risk of circulatory collapse. If you notice these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.
• Children and teenagers should avoid energy drinks due to the high caffeine content. The maximum recommended amount of caffeine is already reached with half a can.
• Do not drink energy drinks if you are hypersensitive to coffee.
• The drinks are also not suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with high blood pressure.