Many energy drink enthusiast don't take account for the long term effects that they are drinking down. According to Healthguide.org, there is misleading information floating around about ingredient that these sugary caffeinated drinks possess. For example, a lot of known brands such as Monster, Rockstar, Full Throttle, Red Bull all contain a ingredient known as guarana. Which is what these brand names are saying is a better alternate for caffeine. When in fact the chemical in guarana, which is guarine gives us that 'boost' that people like. But, what these companies don't tell you is that guarine is just another name for caffeine, guarine is just from another plant. Caffeine being the main long-term affect in these drinks have built up long-term effects. Such as Diuretic Dependence, Cardiovascular Disease and Osteoporosis. Diuretic dependence is explained that most diet pills that people take have a diuretic in them to help retain water, which in fact it is simply caffeine. This caffeine is used to provide extra energy to dieter they aren't getting from food. But over time this can lead to dependence on caffeine to stimulate kidney function and if you suddenly deprive yourself of it, serious consequences such as loss of kidney function and a build up of toxic urea. Another long-term effect that can happen is cardiovascular disease. Caffeine is known to speed up your heart rate and elevate your blood pressure, there is a grown concern for people who have constantly drank energy drinks all their lives. Data has shown that drinking these potent energy drinks has lead to arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Not only does it put you at risk for heart disease, but you may also be at an increased risk for strokes. The last long-term effect is the least talked publicized risk factor, that factor being Osteoporosis. Studies have shown a direct correlation between caffeine with the onset of and rate in which osteoporosis is evidenced in the body. This has been suspected due to how caffeine promotes the loss of calcium. There has not been sufficient evidence to prove this true as of right now, but evidence is leaning that way.
