Energy drinks are mass-consumed across all age groups, and many people tout their stimulating and invigorating effects. This isn’t necessarily a good thing—especially for people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Doctors with Verywell Health look at some common ingredients found in most energy drinks and their effects on the body.*

What ingredients are common in energy drinks?

• Caffeine: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, which is why it’s effective for energy and alertness. In large amounts, however, it can also cause blood pressure spikes, nausea, and dehydration, all of which are dangerous for people with CKD. One can of an energy drink can contain anywhere from 80 to 160 mg of caffeine, versus the 47 to 75 mg of caffeine in a 1 oz espresso.
• Guarana: Guarana is a fruit whose seeds contain more caffeine than coffee beans. The amount used in energy drinks is minimal, but when combined with other stimulants, it can increase heart rate and blood pressure. High blood pressure is a primary cause and complication of CKD.
• Sugar: Like sodas, energy drinks tend to be high in sugar. Simple sugars provide quick energy boosts, but the lift doesn’t last long. Even more significantly, sugar consumed frequently and in large amounts can lead to diabetes—another primary cause and complication of kidney disease.
• Taurine: Taurine is a naturally-occurring amino acid found in meat, fish, and the human body. It’s a building block of protein and has many health benefits. However, several studies have found that taurine also contributes to kidney dysfunction, eye damage, and cardiomyopathy (a risk factor for heart failure).
• Ginseng: Ginseng is thought to boost brain power and energy, but it can also interact with some medications if taken in more than minuscule amounts.

How are energy drinks regulated?

So, why are the above ingredients problematic? In the U.S., energy drinks are considered nutritional supplements–and, as such, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Manufacturers are under no obligation to prove statements concerning their products’ efficacy; report adverse effects of their products on consumers; nor state the amounts of such ingredients like caffeine, taurine, or ginseng on their labels.

What research exists on the harmful effects?

While energy drinks are not reviewed by the FDA, some data has been collected that demonstrate their potentially damaging effects. 

The findings include:

• acute renal failure from excessive consumption of Red Bull; 
• increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure;
• increased heart rate; and
• reduced blood supply to the brain.

Moreover, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recently presented an abstract about young and healthy adults who consumed Rockstar energy drinks and experienced a notable increase in their resting blood pressure. This is problematic because it “could predispose [them] to cardiovascular events (heart attack, chest pain, stroke).” 

Given the known association between kidney disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD), it’s recommendable for CKD patients to avoid energy drinks to prevent further increasing the risk of a cardiovascular event.

*Chauhan, V. (2019, Oct. 25). “Energy Drinks’ Effect on Kidneys and Health.” Verywell Health.