Energy drinks: Harmful ingredients found in popular brands

Energy drinks promise quick energy, but current tests show: Many contain questionable substances that can be harmful to health.

High sugar content exceeds WHO recommendations

The majority of the energy drinks tested contain more than 10 g of sugar per 100 ml – this corresponds to around 27 g of sugar per 250 ml can. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends consuming no more than 25 g of sugar per day. A single energy drink can already exceed this amount. Excessive sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and dental disease.

Caffeine in high doses puts a strain on the cardiovascular system

Energy drinks often contain up to 80 mg of caffeine per 250 ml, which is roughly equivalent to a cup of coffee. Young people in particular often consume several doses a day, which leads to excessive caffeine intake. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), this can lead to tachycardia, insomnia and, in the worst case, cardiac arrhythmia.

Bisphenol A (BPA) detected in cans

The industrial chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which can migrate from the inner coating of the cans into the drink, was detected in 20 out of 22 energy drinks tested. BPA has a hormonal effect and is suspected of causing health risks such as breast cancer, infertility and behavioural problems in children.

Sweeteners and additives are not harmless

Some energy drinks contain sweeteners such as sucralose or acesulfame K, which can train the sense of taste for sweets and promote cravings. They also contain additives such as taurine, colourings and flavourings, the long-term effects of which on health have not yet been fully researched.

Conclusion: Consume energy drinks with caution

Energy drinks contain a mixture of high amounts of sugar and caffeine as well as other questionable additives. Regular consumption can pose health risks, especially for young people and children. Experts advise a conscious approach to these drinks and recommend using alternatives such as water or unsweetened tea.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash.