Australian researchers threw an experimental party in order to tackle public health concerns over cocktails containing energy drinks and concluded that they can increase binge drinking.
Popular cocktails such as Red Bull and vodka have long been a public health concern.
The research in question was inspired by a number of cross-sectional studies suggesting that young adults with a propensity for such cocktails consume more alcohol than their peers who don't, according to Rebecca McKetin, a fellow at the Australian National University's Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Well-being.
McKetin acknowledged the possibility that such drinkers are simply more experimental and less inhibited than others, and her study set out to explore that very question.
Researchers recruited 75 participants between the ages of 18 and 30 for a double-blind, randomized pre- versus post-test experiment which, taking the subject matter into account, is best described as a party in the laboratory before and after which data was recorded.
Participants received a cocktail containing either 60 ml of vodka and a Red Bull Silver Edition energy drink or 60 ml of vodka with soda water, and both cocktails also contained 200 ml of a fruit drink.
Although they were not told what they were receiving it is likely that those familiar with the taste and effects of Red Bull could tell whether or not it was in their drink.
Participants completed an Alcohol Urge Questionnaire before and 20 minutes after the party in the lab, as well as a post-test Biphasic Alcohol Effects Questionnaire, Drug Effects Questionnaire and breath alcohol concentration (BAC) test.
The results of the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire were the most important part of the results, according to researchers, who found the urge to drink increased the most in those given energy cocktails.
"We found that when people drink A+EDs (energy cocktails) that they have a stronger desire to keep drinking than if they drank alcohol on its own," said McKetin. "This would mean that someone who drinks A+EDs would want to keep drinking more than their friends who don't."
"A greater urge to drink has substantial implications when we think about the nature of drinking episodes," says Peter G. Miller, associate professor of psychology at Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus in Australia. "Of course, the drunker you get, the more likely you are to get injured, be a victim or perpetrator of an assault, or even drive home while drunk, let alone making bad choices about the people you associate with and possible sexual behaviour."
Miller and McKetin remarked that the results of their study are similar to those of several American studies.
Health Risks Of Energy Drinks
Risk: Caffeine Overload(01 of08)
Open Image ModalMany energy drinks and other products feature very large amounts of caffeine -- approximately three times the amount found in a regular cup of coffee -- often along with other stimulants. The problem with consuming large amounts of caffeine is two-fold, explains K. Steven Whiting, Ph.D., of Phoenix Nutritionals in San Diego and author of "Healthy Living Made Easy". One, it targets the central nervous system directly. Two, it can lead to dehydration and loss of water-soluble nutrients that have a calming effect on the central nervous system. This combined effect can cause agitation and sleep problems and potentially lead to the development of long-term anxiety issues. (credit:Shutterstock)
Risk: Too Many 'Energy-Boosting' Ingredients(02 of08)
Open Image ModalCaffeine may not be the only stimulant in your energy drink. Many of these products contain similar ingredients, from various forms of caffeine to guarana, acai berry, taurine, ginseng, arnitine, creatine, inositol and ginkgo biloba -- all of which have stimulating effects. "Taurine has been shown to improve athletic performance so this may be the reason why it is added to many of these drinks -- and mixing taurine with caffeine may increase mental performance, but this research remains inconclusive," says Amy Shapiro, R.D., C.D.N., of Real Nutrition in New York City. (credit:Flickr:ggallice)
Risk: Sugar Overload(03 of08)
Open Image ModalOther dangers of energy drinks can be traced to the fact that they're also loaded with sugar, a particular health risk for children and people at risk for diabetes. Even for non-diabetics, all the sugar causes a crash a few hours later, leaving the drinker more exhausted than before they had the drink. Keep in mind that while sugar-free energy drinks may be a better option, sugar-free versions of Red Bull, Amp, Rockstar, NOS and Crunk still carry serious risks because of their high caffeine content and artificial ingredients, including artificial sweeteners like aspartame. (credit:Flickr:Muffet)
Beware of Energy Drinks for Kids(04 of08)
Open Image ModalWith endorsements from cartoon characters and famous athletes, many energy drinks are marketed directly to kids and teens. "Young people really need to be careful with these energy products because their central nervous system is not full developed and [the drinks] can lead to longer-term health problems," Whiting warns. Talk to your child's doctor about whether any amount of caffeine is acceptable, and make sure your teen knows the possible dangers of drinking these products.
In the lawsuit against Monster, Fournier's mother says that the caffeine in energy drinks should be regulated, particularly because the drinks are heavily marketed to teens and children. (credit:Alamy)
Do Not Mix: Energy Drinks And Alcohol(05 of08)
Open Image ModalSome energy drinks not only contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar but also high amounts of alcohol and have been associated with serious side effects, including death. Some states, including New York, have banned drinks that combine alcohol and caffeine, but many people continue to mix them through Red Bull-vodka cocktails, among others. "The combination of alcohol and caffeine may lead to adverse effects, as the presence of caffeine increases the absorption of alcohol, which can increase intoxication," Shapiro says. Although many people may think that the caffeine in these drinks can prevent the drowsiness associated with drinking alcohol, it cannot prevent the effects that alcohol has on the brain. (credit:Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The Problem With Energy Shots(06 of08)
Open Image ModalEnergy shots, including 5-Hour Energy and 6-Hour Energy, provide a burst of energy to help you get through the day and typically do not contain large amounts of sugar, but the amount of caffeine they contain is unclear. "The problem with these energy products is no one really knows how much is too much," says Whiting. "The manufacturers have not done any studies to determine the appropriate amount, as caffeine is an uncontrolled substance. They don't put any warnings or precautions on these products either." (credit:Amazon.com)
Energy Strips Caution(07 of08)
Open Image ModalEnergy strips, including LeBron James's Caffeine Strips, are packaged like breath strips and are marketed to teens and tweens. They have the same dangers as energy drinks. "Energy strips are likely absorbed much quicker than other energy products as they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tongue," Shapiro explains. (credit:Amazon.com)
The Dangers Of Caffeine Pills(08 of08)
Open Image ModalCaffeine or energy pills carry a greater risk for adverse effects when used in combination with other energy products. "The problem is that many people probably use more than one form of these products to stay awake," Whiting says. "They take an energy or caffeine pill in the morning, have a cup of coffee, and in the middle of the afternoon have an energy drink -- it can be very harmful to have this excess of caffeine." (credit:Amazon.com)