New Human Data on the Assessment of Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are beverages which contain caffeine mostly together with the substances taurine, inosite and glucuronolactone, frequently in high concentrations. In the past there have been cases of fatalities with a possible link to the consumption of energy drinks in con-junction with alcohol intake or intensive physical activity without, however, a causal relation-ship being proved. Scientists take into consideration the fact that the typical energy drink ingredients mutually potentiate their toxicological effects and could, therefore, lead to health-relevant impairments of body functions. In Europe there are different provisions concerning the sale of energy drinks. In Germany, for instance, distribution is only possible under specific conditions; in France there are more ex-tensive limitations on ingredients. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has re-peatedly advocated clear indications on the labels of energy drinks. They should recommend that certain groups of consumers like children, pregnant women, lactating women and indi-viduals who are sensitive to caffeine should refrain from consuming energy drinks. Moreover, reference should be made to possible adverse effects in conjunction with intensive physical activity or the consumption of alcoholic beverages