title: Energy drinks and their adverse health effects: A systematic review of the current evidence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  With the rising consumption of so-called energy drinks over the last few years, there has been a growing body of literature describing significant adverse health events after the ingestion of these beverages. To gain further insight about the clinical spectrum of these adverse events, we conducted a literature review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using PubMed and Google-Scholar, we searched the literature from January 1980 through May 2014 for articles on the adverse health effects of energy drinks. A total of 2097 publications were found. We then excluded molecular and industry-related studies, popular media reports, and case reports of isolated caffeine toxicity, yielding 43 reports.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Energy drink consumption is a health issue primarily of the adolescent and young adult male population. It is linked to increased substance abuse and risk-taking behaviors. The most common adverse events affect the cardiovascular and neurological systems. The most common ingredient in energy drinks is caffeine, and it is believed that the adverse events are related to its effects, as well as potentiating effects of other stimulants in these drinks. Education, regulation, and further studies are required.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine, Guthrie Medical Group, Robert Packer Hospital , Sayre, PA , USA.
authors.forename: Fahad
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Hiba
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rehman
authors.forename: Zaruhi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Babayan
authors.forename: Dwight
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stapleton
authors.forename: Divya-Devi
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Joshi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002648:Child; D061215:Energy Drinks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Energy drink; caffeine; cardiac arrhythmia; seizure