Health risks of energy drinks: what nurses and consumers need to know

Nurs Womens Health. 2012 Oct-Nov;16(5):423-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-486X.2012.01766.x.

Abstract

Energy drinks have become very popular, yet they present health concerns and workplace safety issues related to mental and physical effects of the drinks, which are mainly related to the central nervous system and include heightened alertness, altered sleep patterns, arrhythmias and, rarely, seizures. In the workplace, any pharmacologic agent or substance, such as energy drinks, may present a risk to the delivery of health care, and the use energy drinks during pregnancy and lactation are a concern and patient education is warranted.

MeSH terms

  • Caffeine / administration & dosage
  • Caffeine / adverse effects*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects*
  • Consumer Product Safety*
  • Dietary Sucrose / adverse effects
  • Drinking
  • Energy Drinks / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / chemically induced
  • Workplace

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Dietary Sucrose
  • Caffeine