Caffeine-world's most widely consumed legal, unregulated psychoactive drug Published March 3, 2013 By Major Holly Brewer 301st Medical Squadron NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas -- They're everywhere; energy drinks are a top-selling beverage throughout the military. According to AAFES, in 2011 Monster Energy beat out perennial favorite Mountain Dew as the top-selling cold beverage on military bases world-wide. The first comprehensive study of energy drink usage among active-duty and civilian personnel in two European and ten CONUS Air Force bases was started in September. Researchers are looking for patterns and trends; they expect to have results from the anonymous 17-question survey available later this year. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a report linking 18 deaths to Monster Energy and 5-hour Energy from 2004 through Oct. 2012. While doctors have noted heart palpitations, racing heart, lightheadedness and chest pain during exercise in people who consume ergogenic supplements, including energy drinks, there is no conclusion about any cause-and-effect from the use of these products. Note: These are symptoms often associated with excessive caffeine intake. Caffeine is a bitter substance found naturally in coffee beans, kola nuts, cacao pods and tea leaves; it is added to soft drinks, energy drinks and certain medications. Other sources include yerba mate and guarana berries. It stimulates the central nervous system (including your brain) to make you feel more awake and alert for a short period of time. Peak action occurs about one hour after ingestion and can last four to six hours. It is the world's most widely consumed legal and unregulated psychoactive drug. The Human Performance Resource Center has an excellent resource on the benefits and risks of caffeine and recommended uses here: http://hprc-online.org/dietary-supplements/files/Monograph_Caffeine.pdf Some people are much more sensitive to these effects: · Increases heart rate and blood pressure · May contribute to upset stomach · Can provide relief from headaches or can cause headaches · Increases dehydration (as a diuretic) · May cause insomnia (inability to fall asleep or stay asleep) · Appears to be addictive - users build up a tolerance or physical dependence; withdrawal symptoms include severe headaches, muscle aches, irritability For most adults a moderate dose (200-300 mg per day or about 2-4 cups brewed coffee) is generally not harmful. Moderate use can provide small improvements in athletic performance. At sufficiently high doses it can be toxic. Caffeinated soda has ~40-65 mg per 12 fl oz; popular energy drinks ~100-120 mg per 12 fl oz; and energy shots ~200 mg per 2 fl oz! For more information about the caffeine content in beverages and medications, click on the following link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN01211. The FDA limits the amount of caffeine in sodas but there are no caffeine restrictions on energy drinks. Nor is there any federal regulation on the additional components such as herbs and amino acids. There have yet to be any reports of deaths attributed to energy drinks in the military. If you experience any of the above symptoms, see your health care provider. Make a note of your caffeinated beverage intake along with any herbs and other supplements. If your intake is more than 500 mg a day, you may want to consider cutting back. For answers to any nutrition question, an evaluation of your current habits, a personal counseling session, or to arrange a squadron presentation contact the 301st Nutritional Medicine Flight at 817-782-7785.