Energy drinks can affect the heart muscle, according to a new study from Texas A&M

BRYAN-COLLEGE Station, Texas – A new study by Texas A&M researchers found that some energy drinks can have adverse effects on heart muscle cells.

The study, published in Food and chemical toxicology, found that consuming energy drinks was linked to improper heartbeat, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure and other heart conditions.

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“Because the consumption of these drinks is unregulated and widely available to all age groups, the potential for adverse health effects of these products is a matter of concern and needs to be investigated,” said Dr. Ivan Rusyn, a professor at Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “Indeed, the consumption of energy drinks has been associated with a wide range of adverse health effects in humans, many of which relate to the effects on the heart.”

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The researchers evaluated 17 over-the-counter brands and were able to deduce which ingredients may contribute more to the side effects. They determined that theophylline, adenine and azelate are substances that can have negative effects on the heart, but said more research is needed.

“This study shows that some of the energy drinks tested may have effects on human cardiomyocytes, and these data corroborate other studies in humans,” Rusyn said in a university press release. “Therefore, we hope that consumers will carefully evaluate the benefits of improving the performance of these drinks compared to emerging data that suggest that they may have real adverse effects.

“We also hope that the Food and Drug Administration will take a closer look at whether these beverages should be carefully reviewed as to the possible labeling of their adverse health effects and whether certain age groups and susceptible subpopulations should be be advised against drinking these drinks. ”