Professor cautions against energy drink abuse
Life can be busy for a college student trying to juggle academics, extracurricular activities, work and a social life. Such hectic schedules may lead some students to consume energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages to get more energy.
According to Adjunct Professor of Kinesiology Jackie Dikos, a certified sports dietician, the frequent use of energy drinks is becoming common any time of day.
According to the website healthyplanetdiet.com, energy drinks are “the latest incarnation in humanity’s use of herbal stimulants to sharpen and control their awareness, mood and activity.”
The average energy drink contains caffeine, green tea extract, guaranine, yerba mate, kola nut and L-phenylalanine. But the drinks also contain flavorings, sweeteners, vitamins “associated with energy,” amino acids, minerals and much more. However, according to healthyplanetdiet.com, people tend to not notice the levels of refined sugar, especially from high fructose corn syrup. According to the website, high fructose corn syrup contributes to weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
Dikos said that regular consumption of energy drinks can contribute to excessive calorie intake and weight management issues.
“Energy drinks are often a source of empty sugar calories,” Dikos said. “Choosing food and beverages with more quality ingredients will support long-term health and energy levels far more than any immediate response felt from an energy drink.”
According to healthyplanetdiet.com, energy drinks target teens. This causes teens to drink a large amount of energy drinks. The problem comes from the buildup of caffeine in the bloodstream, which stays active longer than sugar. Caffeine overdoses can also occur, especially when in conjunction with sports participation.
“There is a potential ergogenic response for those who respond to caffeine,” Dikos said. “However, even this ergogenic effect is lessened with regular caffeine over-consumption. There is also the potential for excessive energy drink consumption to interfere with eating higher quality nutrition sources that support [athletic] performance.”
Energy drinks can also have a negative effect when used or mixed with alcohol.
“There is a potential for toxicity of specific ingredients and/or in specific situations, such as when energy drinks are used in combination with alcohol,” Dikos said.
Dikos also said that energy drinks have the potential to interfere with regular sleep patterns and contribute to nervousness, abnormal heart rhythms, decreased bone levels and an upset stomach.
Instead of reaching for energy drinks to get the quick fix or that rush of energy, Dikos recommended that students drink a fruit smoothie or vegetable juice, which are both great sources of drinkable energy. She also recommended that students develop more energy by regular eating and sleeping patterns, exercise daily, drink sufficient amounts of water and eat balanced meals.
Sophomore pre-art therapy major Katie Hammans said she does not drink energy drinks because she thinks they are unhealthy. She believes people start abusing energy drinks once they start drinking them.
“I do drink other caffeinated beverages, but I don’t rely on them,” she said. “I just drink them when they sound good.”
