Energy Drinks: An Assessment of the Potential Health Risks in the Canadian Context

Abstract

This document was developed as a review of the scientific information available pertaining to the safety of ingredients that may be part of the composition of the beverages known as Caffeinated Energy Drinks (Energy Drinks). The document was developed during a period spanning from 2010 to late 2011. A number of references and new studies have been made available since then and are not referenced in the present document. An update of the present Health Risk Assessment is envisaged in 2014 15, upon review of information currently being collected by Health Canada's Food Directorate since the regulatory decision made in October 2011, to regulate Energy Drinks as beverages (i.e. food) as opposed to their former classification as Natural Health Products.

Adverse effects of caffeinated energy drinks among youth and young adults in Canada: a Web-based survey

“…Adverse events from coffee were also assessed for comparison, given that caffeine consumption from coffee has been used as the reference in risk assessments for energy drinks in Canada and elsewhere. 43 …”

Deep Eutectic Solvents Based on Natural Ascorbic Acid Analogues and Choline Chloride

“…The preservation of starting constituents could also be important when considering the potential safety of the lactone‐DES. GluLac is an established beverage ingredient which can be present at the gram scale within consumer products . Similarly, choline chloride has also been listed as an ingredient in infant formulas and appears to be considered a safe substance by the Food and Drug Administration…”

Extensive literature search as preparatory work for the safety assessment for caffeine

“…Rotstein also assessed the potential health risks of energy drinks and reported that consumption of energy drinks after exercise may delay the return to a resting heart rate, that the combined consumption of energy drinks and alcohol may pose a risk to health as intoxication may occur more quickly, leading to more risky behaviour, such as excessive alcohol consumption. Authors concluded that two servings of energy drinks per day would not be exposed to pose a risk to the adult population, based on the safety of non-caffeine ingredients and the fact that caffeine intake would not exceed Health Canada's recommended daily intake (Rotstein et al, 2013).…”