Energy drinks bring potential health risks

Photo By Heather Johnson | Service members should use caution when consuming energy drinks due to their potential health risks. Most drinks average approximately 200 calories which can lead to weight gain.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.28.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Heather Johnson 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - Many service members consume energy drinks in an attempt to stay awake or get an extra boost of energy to propel them through their day.

Although this may seem like an appropriate solution to mid-day drowsiness, there are several health risks associated with drinking energy drinks, according to Ashley Eisenbeiser, a health promotion specialist with U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa.

“The main reason someone consumes an energy drink is often for caffeine,” said Eisenbeiser. “Consuming excess caffeine may cause heart palpitations, seizures, strokes and even sudden death in some individuals. On top of that, energy drinks also contain unregulated herbal stimulants like taurine, guarana, creatine and B vitamins.”

For Lance Cpl. Dustin Hawkins, a patrolman with the Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, energy drinks are a constant indulgence due to his work schedule.

A lot of people in demanding jobs, such as military police, consume energy drinks to maintain and “edge” and stay alert, said Hawkins.
Energy drinks are filled with empty calories, according to Eisenbeiser. Most drinks average around 200 calories. If someone is drinking more than one energy drink per day, those calories can start to add up and may contribute to weight gain.

Energy drinks are packed with many ingredients which bolster that kick of energy and adrenaline, however, some of the ingredients can be harmful, and none are beneficial to the body, according to Lt. Cmdr. Gail M. Strong, the department head of combined food operations and a registered dietitian at USNH Okinawa.

Alcohol-infused energy drinks, which have become increasingly popular, pose the greatest risk, said Eisenbeiser.

“When someone consumes an alcoholic energy drink, there is a decreased awareness of intoxication which may lead to the overconsumption of alcohol, which can lead to injury or death,” said Eisenbeiser.

Many consume energy drinks due to changes in the day-to-day pace of life, said Strong.

“I think energy drinks have increased in popularity over the last 20 years due to the changes in our lifestyle,” said Eisenbeiser. “We are continuously on the move and constantly being asked to do more and more. Sleep does not fit into our lifestyle anymore.

Consequently, we are left feeling run down and in need of any extra boost we can get.”

Although energy drinks are convenient and have an immediate effect, there are healthier ways to achieve an energy boost.

“The point of these drinks is to give you ‘energy,’ which is a measure of your body burning calories and comes from food and drinks. Therefore, if something has calories – it has energy,” said Strong. “The best way to get energy is to get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.”

For more information, contact the health promotions office at 643-7906.

• Date Taken: 07.28.2011
• Date Posted: 07.28.2011 00:34
• Story ID: 74421
• Location: OKINAWA, JP