Health assessment of energy drinks

Energy drinks are beverages that contain caffeine, usually together with the substances taurine, inositol and glucuronolactone, often in high concentrations. In the past, cases of cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, kidney failure and deaths have been linked to the consumption of energy drinks when consumed together with alcohol or extensive exercise. However, causality has not yet been proven.

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment recommends information on the labels of energy drinks. These should state that certain consumer groups (children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, people sensitive to caffeine) should refrain from consuming energy drinks. They should also draw attention to possible undesirable effects in connection with extensive sporting activity or alcohol consumption.

Energy shots are foods containing caffeine and taurine with a significantly higher caffeine content and in some cases a higher taurine content than energy drinks. Due to their special composition, they are labelled with a recommended intake of one portion per day.