Nutritional evaluation of commercial energy drinks and its health effects

Abstract

Energy drinks are stimulating preparations gasified, flavored with carbohydrates, plant extracts, caffeine and accompanied by dietary supplements. They are consumed with the aim of increasing physical resistance, providing greater mental concentration, avoiding sleep, providing a sense of well-being and stimulating metabolism. The objective of this paper is to review the components of energy drinks and to compare the nutritional information of the labelling of these products. We collected information on physiological and adverse effects, and the intake recommendations for each of the components of energy drinks. Labelling information was used for 11 products available in market. The compounds participate in essential metabolic processes, in functions at the level of the nervous system, respiratory and skeletal muscles. If these components are consumed in correct doses, they can have positive effects. However, excessive consumption can have adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anaphylactic reactions, heart failure, and neuropathies. They also had a low or zero content of fats and proteins, being sugars, sodium, caffeine, vitamins, glucuronolactone and inositol the components that are in greater proportion. Frequency and increased consumption of a portion of these drinks could increase the probability of developing undesirable effects on the health of individuals. More studies should therefore be carried out on these effects.