Pooja Rana Research Scholar, Department of Forensic Science, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
Munish Kumar Mishra Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
Address for correspondence: Pooja Rana, Research Scholar, Department of Forensic Science, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India E-mail: pooja.rana.19.10@gmail.com
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Pooja Rana, Munish Kumar Mishra/Health Aspects Attributing to Composition of Energy Drinks and their Scope in Forensic Science: A Review. Jr of Clin Forensic Sci. 2023;1(2):97–103.
Timeline
Received : July 27, 2023
Accepted : August 15, 2023
Published : December 30, 2023
Abstract
Energy drinks are beverages that typically contain ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, guarana, and other stimulants and are often carbonated. The primary active ingredient in energy drinks is caffeine. Though these drinks have been marketed as ergogenic products which can enhance physical and cognitive performances (temporary boost in energy level), results of several studies show that due to presence of high caffeine content, their excessive consumption can lead to caffeine overdose or toxicity which includes a range of adverse effects such as tachycardia, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, dehydration, digestive issues, disrupted sleep patterns which can lead to further health risks and in severe cases, even cardiac arrhythmias or seizures. High levels of sugar and acids in these drinks even lead to dental problems. The combination of caffeine and other stimulant ingredients in energy drinks can pose a risk and can potentially lead to cardiovascular problems, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and behavioral & psychological issues. It is therefore advised that these drinks should be consumed with caution while taking certain medications or alcohol. The stimulant effects of energy drinks can interact negatively with some medications, such as certain antidepressants or stimulant medications. Combining energy drinks with alcohol can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading to excessive alcohol consumption and potentially risky behavior. While energy drinks are not extensively studied within forensic science, their potential toxicity, their use as markers of consumption patterns, susceptibility to adulteration, and risk of contamination make them relevant in specific forensic contexts. Forensic analysis of energy drink ingredients can provide insights into their quality, composition, and compliance with regulatory standards. By employing scientific techniques, food forensic scientists can ensure the authenticity, safety, and compliance of energy drinks in the marketplace.
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Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
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Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.
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Pooja Rana, Munish Kumar Mishra/Health Aspects Attributing to Composition of Energy Drinks and their Scope in Forensic Science: A Review. Jr of Clin Forensic Sci. 2023;1(2):97–103.
This license
enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any
medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as
attribution is given to the creator.
This license
enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any
medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as
attribution is given to the creator.