One can before an exam or a match looks harmless. But what's inside may equal several cups of coffee at once.
How much caffeine exactly?
Energy drinks contain 80 to 500 mg of caffeine per can, which can lead to serious health risks including increased heart rate and potential risk of heart attacks[1]. For comparison, an intake below 300 mg a day is considered safe for many consumers with moderate use[2].
single can
with moderation
since 2017
What does the literature say about the heart?
Caffeine is implicated in cardiac rhythm disorders — including transient sinus arrest or bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, sinoatrial block, atrioventricular block, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias[2].
And who is most at risk?
High caffeine poses serious risks for specific groups: pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with diabetes, peptic ulcer, hypertension, heart failure and arrhythmias[2].
Consumption in our society
Saudi studies describe consumption as heavy among Saudis, especially adolescents — including females — and university students[2]. A positive association has also been recorded between frequency of consumption and several behavioural problems[3].
The good news: the 100% tax genuinely reduced the rate from 46.1% to 38.4% among schoolchildren (the full tax story).
Real energy alternatives
- Sleep first: the fatigue you're treating with a can is usually caused by five hours of sleep (the article).
- Arabic or filter coffee: a known caffeine quantity without added sugar.
- Water: dehydration makes you feel tired — and it's common in our climate.
- Ten minutes of movement: genuinely raises alertness without a rebound.