When it comes to energy drinks, sales continue to soar. In the U.S. and Canada, energy drinks are often the drink of choice for a quick boost of energy. While popular, little research has been done on the combination and doses of the ingredients in these drinks. Lawsuits, reports of negative health effects and ongoing confusion over how these drinks are labeled is the result.
“It’s no secret that energy drinks are popular among our members,” said LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer and LHSFNA Labor Trustee Michael F. Sabitoni. “We also know these drinks can cause adverse health effects. While we’re not in the business of telling members what to do, the LHSFNA has always believed it’s important members know the facts about what they’re consuming so they can make informed health decisions.”
Confusing and inconsistent labeling continues to plague the energy drink industry. Some drinks use “Nutrition” labels while others are marketed as “Supplements.” This is important because the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) maintains different requirements for each. For example, caffeine is only required to be listed as an ingredient on supplement labels, and companies don’t have to list the amount.
Similarly confusing is recommended daily allowance (RDA), which is only required to be included for certain ingredients. There are even examples of the same energy drink brand listing different RDA values for the same vitamin on two of its products.
This misleading labeling problem dates back to 1994, when Congress passed legislation allowing companies to evaluate the safety and labeling of their own products. The FDA only takes action against dangerous or misbranded supplements after they’ve already been on the market and have raised concerns. This leaves consumers in the dark about the safety and health effects of what they’re drinking.
Most energy drinks promise a boost of energy and better mental focus. Others go even further. One company recently lost a lawsuit after failing to prove that their product “improved performance, concentration and reaction speed.”
While many performance-enhancing claims are not backed by science, there is solid evidence of negative health effects. A recent scientific review of the health effects of energy drinks found reports of debilitating issues, including damage to blood vessels, high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, kidney failure, neurological impacts and death. Many legal settlements have resulted after consumers became severely ill or died from consuming energy drinks.
A study involving firefighters who were given energy drinks found severe dehydration after consumption. Dehydration can cause low blood pressure, weakness, brain fog, fatigue, blood clots, heat illness, muscle damage and cardiac stress. Dehydration is already a concern for construction workers, who often spend their days doing difficult work in hot conditions. Another study of U.S. military members in Afghanistan who consumed energy drinks found reports of sleep disturbances, aggression and manic disorders. Following these studies, both organizations changed their recommendations around energy drink use for workers on duty.
If energy drinks are a big part of your daily routine, consider cutting back. Before you reach for another can, ask yourself if it’s possible to get some extra sleep instead. And if you do find yourself needing an energy drink, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and avoiding other dehydrating beverages. It’s not glitzy or glamorous, but it’s likely much better for your health in the long run.
[Kim Dennison, RN, MPH, COHN-S is a Medical Professional – Instructor for LIUNA Training of Michigan.]
