Kathmandu. The ‘energy drinks’ available in the market convey the message of instant freshness, awareness and physical mental capacity. Attractive packaging, association with sports, youth-oriented publicity and the use of digital media are making such drinks popular among the younger generation. But how can its regular and excessive consumption affect health?
A review study by food engineer Hüdayi Ercoşkun, published in TAG_OPEN_em_31 the 2025 Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, analyzed this question by linking it to the constituents, consumption trends, health effects, and regulatory conditions of energy drinks. The study reviewed the available scientific evidence on active ingredients, especially caffeine, sugar, taurine, and guarana, and their potential health effects.
The findings of the study are clear that the problem is not only in the name of the energy drink, but also in the amount of stimulants and other ingredients in them, the frequency of consumption and long-term and excessive use. The study did not conclude that consuming a limited amount of healthy adults would inevitably lead to serious health problems. However, it has been shown that frequent and uncontrolled consumption, especially among adolescents and young adults, can be a public health concern.
Caffeine ‘wakes or sleeps’, but also stimulates the body{
Caffeine is one of the main active ingredient added to energy drinks. According to the review study, the amount of caffeine in different energy drinks varies greatly. Some products have even been found to contain about 50 mg to 505 mg per can. The study provides examples of some commonly consumed brands containing caffeine up to 160 mg per serving.
Caffeine works to reduce the feeling of fatigue and increase awareness by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. This is why after consuming energy drinks, the body may feel ‘increased energy’ for some time. However, review studies have linked excessive caffeine intake to increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, restlessness, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and stomach problems.
Sugar content is another big question{
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Sugar is another harmful ingredient added to energy drinks. The review study mentions that some energy drinks can contain between 50 and 62 grams of sugar in one can. The study has presented scientific evidence linking excessive sugar intake to obesity, insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease in the long term. That is, the risk from energy drinks is not only related to caffeine. If a person regularly consumes energy drinks with a lot of sugar, then the excess sugar from it also becomes part of his overall diet.
Why are Tarín and Guarana also in the news?
In addition to caffeine and sugar, energy drinks also contain ingredients like tarin and guarna, according to the study. Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid in the body and plays a role in various biological processes. However, the study concludes that there is still not enough knowledge about the long-term and combined effects of energy drinks when used in combination with other stimulants.
Similarly, the study noted that since guarana itself is a source of caffeine, the stimulant effects may be added. The review report pointed out that more research is needed on the combined effects of different stimulants when they are in the same product.
Effect from heart to sleep
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Review studies have noted various short-term effects associated with excessive consumption of energy drinks.
These include increased heart rate, trembling limbs, restlessness, nervous excitement, stomach problems, and sleep disturbances. Caffeine-sensitive people may experience more fear, fatigue, and irritability, according to the study. Drinking energy drinks in the afternoon or evening can affect the natural cycle of sleep and lead to insomnia, according to the study.
In terms of long-term and excessive consumption, the review study incorporates scientific evidence related to the risk of heart disease, neurological disease, digestive diseases, kidney disease and mental illness. But here too, the key word is ‘excessive consumption’.
Why more attention paid to teens{
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Teens and young people are among the groups that the study has paid the most attention to energy drinks. It is not just that they consume more. The study shows that sensitivity to caffeine, the impact on sleep and behavior, and the possibility of regular consumption at a young age make them a special concern group.
The review also included previously published studies that showed an association between frequent consumption of energy drinks in adolescents who took unnecessary risks and even other substances.
For this reason, the study highlights the importance of targeted health education, clear product descriptions, and marketing control.
