Do 'Energy Drinks' really provide energy? Why are they said to be harmful to health?

Energy drinks have become an extremely popular beverage in contemporary society, especially among the younger generation. While a typical cup of tea or coffee provides our body with a dose of caffeine, water, and a little milk, these energy drinks contain a variety of more complex ingredients.

Many people turn to these beverages with the aim of gaining extra energy for their daily activities. The human desire for additional energy is not limited to the modern world; even in the past, people sought stimulation through methods like chewing coca leaves and betel quid. The origin of popular energy drinks in the Western world, such as 'Red Bull', can be traced back to beverages created in Thailand and aimed at busy Japanese businessmen.

Looking at the ingredients in an energy drink, one can primarily see the amino acid 'Taurine'. This compound was initially discovered from ox bile, hence its name, but it is now produced synthetically. This compound, naturally produced in the body, has been found to increase in the body after exercise. However, according to scientific research, there is insufficient evidence that taurine provides instant energy or significant stimulation. Nevertheless, laboratory studies have observed that taurine has the ability to extend the lifespan of animals and control cell aging. Despite this, the immediate energy provided by it when consumed as an energy drink remains minimal.

Another common ingredient in energy drinks is B-group vitamins. Although there is a belief that these vitamins provide extra energy to the body, it has not been scientifically confirmed. In fact, a high dose of vitamin B6 can even pose a risk of damage to the nervous system (Peripheral neuropathy). In a study conducted by researchers, a caffeine-containing energy drink and a decaffeinated energy drink were compared, and it was confirmed that the drink without caffeine had no energizing effect. This means that the primary reason for the stimulation provided by these beverages is their caffeine content.

It is an accepted fact that caffeine can provide some benefits for athletes and exercisers. Especially, consuming caffeine with carbohydrates and protein can be effective for certain sports. While choosing sugar-free drinks can minimize problems like weight gain and tooth decay, long-term use of energy drinks can lead to numerous health issues. Specifically, risky conditions such as high blood pressure and irregular heart rate (Atrial fibrillation) can arise from this. In some cases, excessive consumption of these beverages can also lead to serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes.

According to medical recommendations, it is very important to avoid giving energy drinks to young children and adolescents. Furthermore, individuals with heart conditions should be very cautious when using these. Simply put, these beverages can contain a similar or greater amount of caffeine than a regular cup of coffee, and drinking coffee or tea is considered a safer alternative both health-wise and financially. To obtain the real energy needed by the body, following natural methods such as getting sufficient sleep, consuming nutritious meals, and engaging in regular exercise will yield healthier long-term results than energy drinks.
(Source: ABC Science)