Energy Drinks Pose Dangers?

Why the extra boost isn't the only thing worrying doctors...

By Joyce Ogirri, NCC News

On most any college campus, you’re as likely to see college students with a Red Bull in their hand as a Coke. This growing energy drink industry is giving millions of people that extra something to get throught the day.

Matija Popovic goes to work when most people are going to bed. He’s a night delivery driver for a Syracuse restaurant. He says he depends on drinks like red bull for a rush of energy. “It’s not like it’s an addiction, oh I need one. It’s just, makes you, makes the job you do easier, whatever you do, focus, or physical,” said Popovic.

Matija is one of the millions of consumers who will spend three quarters of a billion dollars annually on caffeinated drinks.


Red bull is the #1 selling energy drink in America. Even though Red Bull makes you feel alert, Syracuse nutritionist Michelle Gallant, say its not good for you. “Its empty, extra calories. We don’t need that and it certainly can be one of those factors that contributes to obesity,” said Gallant.

And the high amount of caffeine doctors say can affect your heart. Cardiologist Michael Gabris, from the New York Heart Center says there is no long-term damage. “It won’t lead to heart attacks or anything like that. But in high doses of caffeine can cause a racing heart beat can lead to dizziness, lightheadness. And in high enough dose it can cause you to faint,” said Gabris.

That doesn’t stop college students from mixing energy drinks with alcohol. Red Bull targets young males by using extreme sports advertising that show kids living on the edge.


Syracuse University student, Emre Sahinalp takes part in this new trend. “What’s my favorite drink after water? I’m gonna have to say red bull and vodka. It tastes good,” said Sahinalp.Experts say mixing a stimulant with a depressant can be dangerous. Syracuse University psychologist, Dr. Kate Carey says drinking too much alcohol will raise a person’s blood alcohol concentration. “When they use it at the same time, they’re feeling alert, they keep drinking. And when the energy drink wears off, the alcohol hits them hard,” said Carey.

Another S.U. student, Alex Bercheck has experienced this first hand. “You know to do all these stupid crazy things you usually don’t have the energy to do it because you’ll like oh I’m drunk. But rebull and vodka you get the energy and stupid ideas,” said Bercheck.

And its that kind of feeling that helps keep this $5 billion dollar a year industry alive.