Exactly what a single energy drink can do your body – minute by minute
YOU may be familiar with the surge in alertness after drinking an energy drink.
But there are half a dozen things that happen to the body over several hours thanks to the caffeine and sugar hit.
The beverages are shrouded in controversy.
Only this week, a study suggested that children and young people who guzzle energy drinks are more at risk of suicidal thoughts.
The large study, published in the , left researchers at Newcastle University "deeply concerned".
After studying 1.2million kids, they found those who guzzle energy drinks are more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as illegal drug taking, violence, and unsafe sex.
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It also raises the odds of poor academic performance, sleep problems, anxiety, depression and unhealthy dietary habits.
Previous research by York University has also warned young energy drink fans are more likely to suffer headaches, sleep problems, irritability and school exclusion.
What's the worry?
The World Health Organization has slammed energy drinks as a “danger to public health".
Some energy drinks are loaded with 21 teaspoons of sugar per can, and the same amount of caffeine as three cups of coffee, which does nothing for the waistline or overall health.
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Caffeine is generally safe to consume and enjoy, but it can be harmful in larger doses.
While companies in the UK must limit caffeine quantities in each can, people may guzzle several cans over a day.
And experts have warned the cans of sweet stuff are sometimes “cheaper than bottles of water”, further enticing youngsters.
Ministers proposed to ban energy drink sales to under 16s in 2018, but have yet to implement it.
Energy drink timeline
Data from gift site reveals exactly what happens to the body, hour-by-hour, after you finish a can, and even 12 days later.
It was created using information from sources including the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and energy drink manufacturer Red Bull.
It may make you re-think your habit, and re-assess whether the highs and lows of energy are worth it for a quick hit.
First 10 minutes
That’s the time the caffeine begins to enter the bloodstream, causing your heart rate and blood pressure to rise.
Previous research has looked at the impact of energy drinks on the blood pressure and hearts of young people.
One small found that people who drank 32 ounces (1L) of energy drinks in an hour had abnormal electrical activity in their hearts and higher blood pressure four hours later.
15-45 minutes
The time caffeine level peaks, making you feel alert and improving concentration.
The caffeine concetration in energy drinks ranges from 80mg (Red Bull) to 150mg (PRIME) per serving.
It is generally recommended to have no more than 400mg of caffeine per day.
30-50 minutes
By now, all of the caffeine has been absorbed and your liver will often react by absorbing more sugar.
One hour
This is when you are likely to get the “sugar crash” - when your blood sugar and caffeine level drops - and you may feel tired.
Five-six hours
Roughly five to six hours after consumption your body will have reduced the caffeine content in your bloodstream by 50 per cent.
12 hours
Around 12 hours after finishing your energy drink, the caffeine will be out of most people's bloodstreams, but it does vary due to age and activity.
12-24 hours
If you have been drinking energy drinks regularly, between 12 and 24 hours is the time when you'll start to feel withdrawal symptoms.
You may suffer from headaches, irritability and constipation.
Seven-12 days
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Studies have shown this is the time it takes the body to become tolerant of your daily caffeine dosage.
This means if you keep the level the same, you are unlikely to feel any effects at this point.
