Too much caffeine? Say 'œNer' to energy drinks?

William Atkins
Sunday, 28 September 2008 21:29

Science - Health

The article by Dr. Griffiths appears in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

It first appeared online on September 21, 2008 under the title “Caffeinated energy drinks—A growing problem."

Its authors are Chad J. Reissig, Eric C. Strain, and Roland R. Griffiths, all from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences or the Department of Neuroscience, at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

The abstract to their paper states, “Since the introduction of Red Bull in Austria in 1987 and in the United States in 1997, the energy drink market has grown exponentially. Hundreds of different brands are now marketed, with caffeine content ranging from a modest 50 mg to an alarming 505 mg per can or bottle.”

“Regulation of energy drinks, including content labeling and health warnings differs across countries, with some of the most lax regulatory requirements in the U.S. The absence of regulatory oversight has resulted in aggressive marketing of energy drinks, targeted primarily toward young males, for psychoactive, performance-enhancing and stimulant drug effects.”

And, continuing, “There are increasing reports of caffeine intoxication from energy drinks, and it seems likely that problems with caffeine dependence and withdrawal will also increase. In children and adolescents who are not habitual caffeine users, vulnerability to caffeine intoxication may be markedly increased due to an absence of pharmacological tolerance. Genetic factors may also contribute to an individual's vulnerability to caffeine-related disorders including caffeine intoxication, dependence, and withdrawal.”

“The combined use of caffeine and alcohol is increasing sharply, and studies suggest that such combined use may increase the rate of alcohol-related injury. Several studies suggest that energy drinks may serve as a gateway to other forms of drug dependence. Regulatory implications concerning labeling and advertising, and the clinical implications for children and adolescents are discussed.”

For further information, please read the eMedicine article “Caffeine-Related Psychiatric Disorders.”