Acute Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Endothelial Function

Use of energy drinks (EDs) has been growing over the past few decades in young adults and is particularly high in young males. Meanwhile, concerns remain regarding serious ED-associated cardiovascular complications, including deaths, while the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. There is some evidence that ED consumption impairs endothelial function, an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. However, the data are limited, and in some cases are based on inadequate methodological approaches (e.g., lack of control). Therefore, additional investigations are needed on this topic using rigorous methodologies. The purpose of this randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study was to investigate the hypothesis that acute consumption of a popular ED will lead to endothelial dysfunction in young adults. Eleven healthy young males (mean±SD: 22±3 years) consumed an ED or a placebo beverage—in random order—on 2 experimental visits with at least 1 week washout between visits. Assessments were performed pre- and 1-hour post-consumption. Endothelial function was assessed using brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) via high resolution ultrasonography in response to reactive hyperemia following 5 min of forearm occlusion at 250 mmHg. We found that FMD expressed as %Δ did not change in response to ED and placebo (mean±SE; ED: 5.03±1.19 vs. 4.60±0.93 %, pre- vs. post-consumption; and placebo: 4.95±0.69 vs. 4.71±1.21%, Beverage x Time, P=0.89; Beverage, P=0.99 and Time, P=0.76). The results were similar for FMD expressed as mmΔ (ED: 0.22±0.06 vs. 0.20±0.04 mm and placebo: 0.21±0.03 vs. 0.20±0.05 mm; Beverage x Time, P = 0.89; Beverage, P=0.97 and Time, P=0.72). Baseline pre-occlusion diameter and peak post-occlusion diameter did not significantly change in response to ED and placebo (Beverage x Time, P≥0.6; Beverage, P≥0.5; Time, P≥0.1). In conclusion, our findings suggest that acute ED consumption does not adversely affect endothelial function, but the long-term effects merit further investigation. Additional studies are also needed to extend our findings in young women, as well as in populations at risk for cardiovascular complications. This work was supported by the Gatorade Trust through funds distributed by the University of Florida, Department of Medicine. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2025 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.