When we were younger, our parents warned us against many addicting substances like alcohol and drugs, but the warning for caffeine was different. It was “coffee will stunt your growth,” and “caffeine isn’t for kids.” While caffeine may not be the most addicting substance, it is causing massive harm across our generation. This isn’t done through coffee, but through something else entirely: energy drinks.
According to healthline.com, an average 12oz cup of coffee contains anywhere from 113 to 247 milligrams of caffeine, and the FDA says a safe consumption of caffeine is about 400 milligrams a day. So, 2-3 cups of coffee a day is safe, but why isn’t that the same for energy drinks?
What sets energy drinks apart from most other sugary drinks kids drinks is the high levels of caffeine in them that is also mixed with the sugar content. Red Bull, for example, has an 8.4 fl oz can which contains 80 milligrams of caffeine. Doesn’t sound that bad, right?
When we break down the caffeine to fluid ounce ratio in the average cup of joe and a can of Red bull, coffee has about 15 milligrams of caffeine per fl oz whereas Red Bull only has 9.5 milligrams per fl oz.
So, if it’s not the caffeine amount in the can that’s the problem, what is it? It’s most likely the mix of the extra sugar in the can mixed with the caffeine and the other additives that upset the heart rate and blood pressure. The caffeine boosts the heart rate, and then this boosted heart rate is amplified by the added sugar in the drink, causing stress on the heart.
When drinking energy drinks, remember that the caffeine alone isn’t affecting you; there are many things at play. Listen to your body and heart when it comes to your safety. Drink only a can a day and try to avoid other drinks that contain caffeine after you’ve drank your energy drink.
