Consumption of energy beverage is associated with attenuation of arterial endothelial flow-mediated dilatation

Abstract

AIMTo investigate whether consumption of an energy drink will acutely impair endothelial function in young healthy adults.METHODSEnergy drinks are being consumed more and more worldwide, and have been associated with some deaths in adolescents and young adults, especially when consumed while exercising. After fasting and not smoking for at least 8 h prior, eleven medical students (9 males) received an electrocardiogram, blood pressure and pulse check, and underwent baseline testing (BL) of endothelial function using the technique of endothelium-dependent flow mediated dilatation (FMD) with high-resolution ultrasound (according to recommended guidelines of the University of Wisconsin Atherosclerosis Imaging Research Program Core Laboratory). The subjects then drank an energy beverage (EB), a 24-oz can of Monster Energy, and the above was repeated at 90 min after consumption. The relative FMD (%) was calculated as the ratio between the average post-cuff release and the baseline diameter. Each image was checked for quality control, and each artery diameter was measured from the media to media points by two experts, 3 measurements at the QRS complex, repeated on 3 separate beats, and then all were averaged.RESULTSSubjects characteristics averages (given with standard deviations) include: Age 24.5 ± 1.5 years, sex 9 male and 2 female, weight 71.0 ± 9.1 kg, height 176.4 ± 6.0 cm, BMI 22.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2. The hemodynamics were as follows, BL vs EB group respectively (mean ± SD): Heart rate 65.2 ± 11.3 vs 68.2 ± 11.8 beats per minute, systolic blood pressure 114.0 ± 10.4 mmHg vs 114.1 ± 10.4 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure 68.8 ± 9.3 mmHg vs 70.6 ± 7.1 mmHg; all were not significantly different. However after drinking the EB, a significantly attenuated peak FMD response was measured (mean ± SD): BL group 5.9% ± 4.6% vs EB group 1.9% ± 2.1%; P = 0.03). Given the increased consumption of energy beverages associated with exercise in young adults, more research is needed.CONCLUSIONEnergy beverage consumption has a negative impact on arterial endothelial function in young healthy adults.

Cardiovascular Complications of Energy Drinks

“…The consumption of one or more EDs prior to exercise can accordingly decrease myocardial oxygen supply while the body enters a state of increased demand, thereby causing a classic supply-demand mismatch. This in turn results in myocardial ischemia (reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle) and can result in ventricular arrhythmias and cardiovascular collapse [7,8,59,77,78].…”

“…Another study of 11 healthy medical students (9 males, average age 24.5 years, average BMI 22.8 kg/m 2 ), underwent baseline testing (BL) of endothelial function using the technique of endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilatation [77]. The subjects then drank a 24-oz can of Monster ED and the above was repeated at 90 min after consumption.…”

Energy Drink Effects on Hemodynamics and Endothelial Function in Young Adults

“…In the cardiovascular system, energy drink consumption by young healthy individuals has been associated with elevations in heart rate, blood pressure, and reduced endothelial function and hypercoagulability [7][8][9][10][11]. In addition, several groups have noted prolongation in the QTc interval associated with energy drink consumption [7,8,12,13].…”

Caffeine-Containing Energy Shots Cause Acute Impaired Glucoregulation in Adolescents

“…Of note, changes in HOMA-IR resulting from energy drink consumption in the study were greater than caffeine administration alone, as was the QTc interval prolongation [ 38 ]. This highlights a potentially synergistic impact of energy drink ingredients, an issue that has been previously raised in the energy drink literature and may lead to more adverse effects than traditional caffeinated beverages such as coffee [ 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”