Think Before You Drink: A Closer Look at Energy Drinks

So-called energy drinks—a new breed of concoctions with stiff doses of caffeine, sugar, and a mixture of herbs and other substances—are fast becoming the younger generation’s pick-me-up of choice.

Energy drink makers continue to target teens and young adults, now sponsoring not just extreme sports like skateboarding and BMX biking, but also online gaming tournaments, influencer livestreams, and college events. Big business still aims squarely at people under 30—especially college students—and these drinks are widely available both on and off campus.

Can you believe, sales in this country have absolutely exploded? Back in the early 2000s, sales hovered around $130 million. But last year, according to market research from Statista and Grand View Research, U.S. energy drink sales topped $16 billion, with teenagers and young adults making up a large chunk of that. Brands like Monster, Red Bull, Celsius, Bang, and Prime Energy are everywhere—from gas stations to TikTok ads.

Now the market has ballooned and there are hundreds of energy drinks, many with bold claims but little transparency.

THE SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DANGERS:

Energy drinks should not be used during exercise. The combination of fluid loss from sweating and the diuretic quality of caffeine can leave the user severely dehydrated.

Mixing energy drinks with alcohol remains dangerous. Energy drinks are stimulants (like a real drug), while alcohol is a depressant. The combination can mask intoxication and lead to serious risks. Once the stimulant wears off, alcohol's depressant effects remain—and could cause vomiting during sleep or even life-threatening respiratory problems.

Caffeine content isn’t always clearly labeled. Some cans now boast “300mg of caffeine”—but others don’t specify, leaving consumers in the dark.

What experts say about it…

Experts continue to raise the alarm.

Dr. Roland Griffiths from Johns Hopkins—who first warned of caffeine withdrawal—now notes that teens and young adults show signs of psychological dependence on energy drinks, especially those consumed daily.

Dr. Michael Hirt, a California physician, still cautions about stimulant stacking, where caffeine is mixed with other compounds like yohimbine, guarana, or even synthetic stimulants found in some “pre-workout” energy drinks.

In 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmed its recommendation that children and adolescents should not consume energy drinks due to the risk of heart problems, seizures, and sleep disorders.

Last year, the World Health Organization warned that excessive caffeine consumption among adolescents is a global public health issue, citing cases of hospitalizations from heart palpitations, anxiety, and dehydration.

New concern: combining energy drinks with over-the-counter cold medications can cause rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure—a dangerous mix few users think about.

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES TO DANGEROUS ENERGY DRINKS:

While visiting a local vitamin store, I found these alternatives:

Green Superfood Category:

• Amazing Grass, Green Superfood

• Green Vibrance (powder form)

• Organic Supergreens by Ancient Nutrition

Energy Shakes and Smoothies:

• Rainbow Light Protein Energizer

• Jay Robb’s Whey Protein Shake

• AGI Greens Powder

Maca Superfood:

Maca continues to be a natural adaptogen used for increasing energy, stamina, and strength. Native to the Peruvian Andes, Maca is in the same family as broccoli and radish, and is now sold globally in powders, capsules, and even chocolate bars.

THE HEALTH DEBATE WILL GO ON:

Despite what manufacturers claim, doctors and nutritionists remain cautious. Drink makers insist their products are safe “if consumed responsibly,” but the reality is many teens don’t know where the safe line is—and the labels don’t always help.

As this market expands, media hype and social platforms will only boost these products more. It’s now Buyer-Beware.

We must continue to educate ourselves and the next generation on products that are not natural energy sources—because the fine print often hides the real risks.