Energy Drinks as a Risk Factor for Systemic Disorders: The Role of Caffeine and Taurine - A Literature Review

Abstract

Background. Energy drinks are widely consumed beverages containing caffeine, taurine, sugars, and other biologically active compounds. Their increasing popularity, particularly among adolescents and young adults, has raised concerns regarding potential systemic adverse health effects.
Aim. This review aimed to summarize current evidence regarding the health effects of energy drink consumption, with particular emphasis on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems and the role of caffeine and taurine.
Material and methods. A narrative literature review was conducted using publications retrieved from scientific databases and current review literature concerning the systemic effects of energy drinks and their principal biologically active constituents, particularly caffeine and taurine. Evidence was analyzed thematically with emphasis on cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric outcomes.
Results. Available evidence suggests that energy drink consumption may be associated with transient increases in blood pressure and heart rate, electrocardiographic alterations including QTc prolongation, and reported cases of tachyarrhythmias and acute cardiovascular events. Within the central nervous system, consumption has been associated with sleep disturbances, anxiety, psychomotor agitation, and, in susceptible individuals, potential seizure triggering and exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms. Frequent consumption has also been linked with problematic behavioral patterns resembling substance use disorders, although much of the evidence remains observational.
Conclusions. Current evidence indicates that energy drinks exert clinically relevant systemic effects involving both the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Although causality remains difficult to establish, the available data support cautious consumption, particularly among children, adolescents, and individuals with pre-existing medical or psychiatric vulnerabilities.