Energy Drink Ingredient May Increase Risk of Heart Disease: Study

A compound found in many popular energy drinks could increase the risk of heart disease, according to the findings of new research.

In a study published online in the medical journal Nature Medicine, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic indicate that the compound carnitine, which is found in red meat and also in many popular energy drinks, may lead to hardening and clogging of arteries.

The body’s digestive tract converts carnitine into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which is known to promote arterial hardening and clogging, a condition known as atherosclerosis. However, researchers also found that the gut bacteria that causes the conversion proliferates inside of those who have a diet high in carnitine, resulting in even more TMAO production and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis.

The study looked at carnitine and TMAO levels of 2,595 patients undergoing elective heart evaluations. Researchers also looked at the effects of carnitine in mice. The researchers found that patients who had both increased carnitine and TMAO levels also had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and death.

Researchers raised concerns over the addition of carnitine to energy drinks and dietary supplements, saying that our bodies create all the carnitine we need and the supply does not need to be supplemented.

“We need to examine the safety of chronically consuming carnitine supplements as we’ve shown that, under some conditions, it can foster the growth of bacteria that produce TMAO and potentially clog arteries,” said lead researcher Dr. Stanley Hazen in a press release.

Energy Drink Health Risks Under Scrutiny

The study comes as concerns are already heightened about the potential for heart problems and other health risks that may be caused by energy drinks.

In recent years, energy drinks have become increasingly popular, containing high quantities of caffeine and other stimulants designed to give users a burst of energy. The drinks, which are sold under brand names like Rockstar, Monster and Red Bull, have been aggressively marketed to children and young adults, who often consumer the beverages in high quantities or in combination with alcohol.

Because most energy drinks are regulated as a dietary supplement, they do not have to list their ingredients or caffeine levels.

Research has found that caffeine overdose can result in heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias and death after doses ranging from 200 to 400 milligrams, and many brands contain that much in each can.

A 14 year old California girl suffered cardiac arrest last year, allegedly caused by caffeine overdose after drinking two Monster Energy drinks over a 24 hour-period. Her parents are currently pursuing a lawsuit against Monster Energy Corp.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that children should not consumer any energy drinks, as the risk of caffeine overdose may be especially harmful for children, who should not consumer more than 100 mg of caffeine in a day. Most energy drinks currently on the market contain more than that amount and some have nearly three times as much.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association linked energy drinks to serious side effects, such as increased heart rate, sleep disturbances, hyperglycemia and diuresis. Other reports indicate emergency room visits concerning energy drink side effects are rising, doubling over the past four years.