Evaluation of Systemic Microvascular Reactivity After Ingestion of an Energy Drink in Young Male Volunteers

Overview

Purpose: Energy drinks (EDs) are nonalcoholic beverages whose main ingredients are sugar, taurine, and caffeine. Their consumption is rising worldwide, with only few conflicting studies examining their vascular effects in young adults. We evaluated microvascular reactivity (MR) before and after ED in young healthy male volunteers. Methods: Systemic MR was evaluated in the skin of the forearm using laser speckle contrast imaging with acetylcholine (ACh) iontophoresis before, 90 and 180 minutes after the consumption of one can of ED or the same volume of water (control), followed by postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH).

Energy drinks (EDs) are nonalcoholic beverages whose main ingredients are sugar, taurine, and caffeine. These products are marketed as boosters of mental and physical performance and are increasingly used in Western societies. Case reports of adverse effects related to ED consumption have been described in healthy young individuals, including coronary artery vasospasm, and myocardial infarction. These data suggest that endothelial dysfunction (EDysf) plays a role in ED cardiovascular effects and have prompted studies with conflicting results. The present study evaluated the microvascular reactivity (MR) after ingestion of one can of ED compared to a control, in young healthy male volunteers.

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Interventions