The pressure of numerous academic requirements and crucial examinations often sends students scrambling for a quick energy boost to pull off all-nighters. Walk into any convenience store or supermarket, and you will find a massive display of brightly colored cans and bottles, offering increased energy and focus. Such drinks are positioned as “essential tools” to get through the rough grind. The widespread reliance on energy drinks (EDs) has fueled its market into a multi-billion dollar industry built on the promise of enhanced performance and concentration.
However, underneath the facade of sleek marketing and vibrant branding lies a serious issue. Medical journals and public health reports reveal alarming health risks associated with these beverages, ranging from heart palpitations and anxiety, to more severe cardiovascular issues such as abnormal heart rate, blood pressure spikes, and even cardiac arrest.
Despite widespread awareness of their potential dangers, a significant portion of the student body continues to consume these drinks at alarming rates. The contrast between the undeniable allure and looming danger of overconsumption raises questions about their true nature. Why do many continue to seek temporary focus boosts despite the underlying risks?
A zap of energy
EDs contain chemicals that cause complex effects on the human body. According to Dr. John Higgins, a sports cardiologist at UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, these beverages contain notably high caffeine concentrations. Often containing 160 to at least 300 milligrams per serving, caffeine is chiefly responsible for the stimulation of cardiovascular effects, including heart palpitations.
A single serving can surpass the US Food and Drug Administration’s recommended upper daily caffeine limit of 400 milligrams for healthy adults. For adolescents and children, whose recommended caffeine limit is around 100 milligrams per day or less, these beverages frequently exceed safe thresholds, prompting concern for overconsumption.
Beyond caffeine, their high sugar content contributes to metabolic strain, which adds stress to the body’s function to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially leading to insulin resistance, increased risk of obesity, and metabolic syndrome. This also affects the balance of gut bacteria and promotes inflammation, thereby exacerbating metabolic dysfunction.
Higgins mentions additives such as guarana, bitter orange or synephrine, and taurine, which further potentiate cardiovascular and neurological effects. EDs also contain ginseng and B vitamins, which interact with sugar and amplify stimulant effects. The sports cardiologist also points out that “proprietary [blends] lack transparency, making it difficult to assess cumulative toxicity.”
Unpacking the substance
Higgins postulates that EDs also impact physiology and mental well-being. He states that these beverages can induce anxiety, jitteriness, and insomnia. In addition, excessive consumption of caffeine-induced beverages can result in a disrupted sleep cycle, blurring the line between temporary alertness and lasting nervousness.
In Higgins’ study, it was concluded that EDs not only cause acute spikes in heart rate and blood pressure, but also impair endothelial function—blood vessels’ ability to regulate circulation, inflammation, and vascular health—which is a key indicator of cardiovascular risk. This constellation of effects may set the stage for arrhythmias, hypertension, and long-term vascular dysfunction. Notably, there have been documented cases where arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac death occurred after ED consumption, particularly among those with underlying susceptibilities, additional physical exertion, or stimulating substances.
Of particular concern is the adolescent brain, uniquely sensitive to caffeine’s neurochemical disruption. Evidence suggests caffeine alters dopamine pathways, affecting impulse control, mood, and sleep. Early exposure to caffeine may also raise the risk for later substance use disorders and persistent neuropsychiatric challenges. ED effects exist on a spectrum shaped by individual biology and context, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, genetic predispositions, concurrent stimulant use, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children.
A lingering influence
Moving forward, Higgins advocates for individual responsibility and policy-based intervention to mitigate the risks associated with ED consumption. He primarily recommends steering away from these products, especially for vulnerable groups.
Complete avoidance and prohibition of ED consumption can alleviate potential developmental effects and the heightened risk of adverse cardiovascular events. For healthy adults, daily caffeine intake should strictly be a maximum of 400 milligrams, entirely avoiding the mixing of EDs with alcohol or their consumption before, during, and after exercise. Additionally, Higgins emphasizes that the sustainable path to performance and alertness should be independent of commercial stimulants. Healthy and foundational alternatives such as proper hydration, electrolyte drinks, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep should always be prioritized.
On a systemic level, the sports cardiologist advocates for public health strategies and measures to regulate the consumption of caffeine-based beverages. This includes the mandatory prohibition of sales and aggressive marketing of EDs, especially to children and adolescents. He also recommends “[educating] patients, athletes, and students on the risks and contents of energy drinks.”
The prohibition and clear, conspicuous labeling of premixed alcoholic EDs was also suggested by Higgins, who mentions that “[there should] be mandatory labeling [of] caffeine content and health warnings [on cans and bottles].” Finally, to ensure effective public response, he encourages continuous research to monitor adverse events and assist ongoing public education campaigns in schools, universities, and local communities.
This article was published in The LaSallian‘s October 2025 issue. To read more, visit bit.ly/TLSOct2025.
