Energy drinks can affect heart muscle, new study from Texas A&M finds

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas A new study by Texas A&M researchers has found that some energy drinks can have detrimental effects on the heart’s muscle cells.

The study, published in Food and chemical toxicology, found that the consumption of some energy drinks was linked to improper heartbeat, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure and other heart conditions.

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“Because the consumption of this beverage is not regulated and that it is widely available to all age groups, the possibility of adverse health effects of these products is a source of concern and should be investigated,” said Dr. Ivan Rusyn, a professor said. in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “The consumption of energy drinks is indeed associated with a wide range of adverse health effects in humans. Many of them relate to the effects on the heart.”

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Researchers evaluated 17 over-the-counter brands and were able to deduce which ingredients may contribute more to the adverse effects. They have determined that theophylline, adenine and azelate are substances that can have negative effects on the heart, but say more research is needed.

“This study shows that some of the energy drinks tested may have an effect on human cardiomyocytes, and these data confirm other studies in humans,” Rusyn said in a university statement. ‘Therefore, we hope that consumers will carefully consider the performance-enhancing benefits of these drinks against the emerging data suggesting that they may have real adverse effects.

“We also hope that the food and drug administration will take a closer look at whether these drinks should be carefully reviewed with regard to the possible labeling of their adverse effects on health, and whether certain age groups and susceptible subpopulations should be excluded from consumption. of these drinks. ”