A man in his fifties suffered a stroke, a terrifying event that doctors directly linked to his astonishing daily habit: consuming eight energy drinks. The case, detailed in a medical journal, revealed a hidden danger lurking within these readily available beverages.
Despite being discharged from the hospital and placed on multiple medications, his blood pressure remained stubbornly high. Frustrated, doctors delved deeper into his lifestyle, eventually uncovering the shocking truth about his energy drink consumption.
The patient, unaware of the potential harm, was drinking a staggering 1200 to 1300mg of caffeine each day – far exceeding the recommended maximum of 400mg. He continues to live with numbness in his left side, even eight years after the stroke.
This case wasn’t isolated. Doctors in Nottingham noted a striking similarity to a 16-year-old boy whose high blood pressure normalized within just two weeks of stopping energy drinks. The parallels were too significant to ignore.
The issue isn’t simply the listed caffeine content. Researchers warn of “hidden caffeine” within the drinks, stemming from ingredients like guarana, which packs twice the caffeine punch of a coffee bean.
Furthermore, chemicals like taurine, ginseng, and glucuronolactone may amplify caffeine’s effects, potentially escalating the risk of serious cardiovascular events like stroke. The combination creates a dangerous synergy.
Energy drinks, including popular brands, are defined as containing over 150mg of caffeine per liter. A typical can delivers around 80mg, dwarfing the 30mg found in tea and 90mg in coffee – yet some contain up to 500mg in a single serving.
Beyond caffeine, these drinks are often loaded with sugar. A 2017 study revealed an average of 38.5g of sugar per 100ml, meaning a single can can easily exceed the recommended daily intake.
While some supermarkets voluntarily banned sales to those under 16 in 2018 due to concerns about obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay, the problem persists. Children can still access these drinks in convenience stores and newsagents.
Experts are now calling for stricter regulations, arguing that current rules are insufficient to protect vulnerable populations. The potential for increased cardiovascular disease, including stroke, particularly in younger individuals, is a growing concern.
The government has indicated plans to completely ban sales to under-16s, following a public consultation. Concerns are mounting that these drinks are contributing to anxiety and depression in young people, effectively acting like consuming multiple cans of sugary soda.
