The results of a small study involving the safety of energy drinks was released today.  When I refer to energy drinks I am referring to drinks such as Red Bull, XO, Roaring Lion, Jolt, etc. You can generally find these pick me upers in gas stations, and convenient stores.  To find out more about name brand energy drinks visit  http://www.bandddesigns.com/energy/ .

The study, which had a sample of only 15 healthy individuals, was conducted at Wayne State University and showed those that consumed two energy drinks a day had an elevation in blood pressure, and heart rate.  The formula for energy drinks consists of water, sugar, salt, a high amount of caffeine, and an amino acid called taurine.

 Now the 15 people in the study were healthly individuals with low blood pressure. They were told to stop any external caffeine prior to, and during the study.

The results of the seven day study showed an increase in heart rate by 5-7 beats per minutes, and a 10 mm mercury increase in blood pressure. There were no changes in EKG results.

What are the conclusions of the study?

First off, the researchers are advising people with pre-existing high blood pressure, and heart disease to avoid energy drinks until further research is conducted. The individuals who already have high blood pressure, and heart disease shouldn’t want their blood pressure, and heart rate to go up anymore than it already is.

This also includes people on medication to prevent high blood pressure, and heart disease. The effects of the energy drinks might offset the results of the medication. It is not worth the health risk just for just a quick pick me up.

Healthy individuals with proven normal blood pressure should not be as concerned with the results of this energy drink study. However, I would like to see a larger sample of say thousands of people monitored for longer than 7 days. I’m sure more research will be conducted on this topic in months to come.

Also, beware of the combination of Red Bull, and alcohol. The combination of the two packs a powerful punch.

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