Abstract

Vascular endothelial dysfunction contributes to a variety of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Despite anecdotal reports of adverse cardiovascular and hemodynamic effects of energy drink consumption there has been very little scientific research conducted on this important topic. Furthermore, the limited research available has not yielded consistent results. This study tested the hypothesis that consumption of a commercially available energy drink would have no effect on endothelial function as assessed by the post-occlusive hyperemic response (reactive hyperemia index, RHI). Sixteen normotensive, non-smokers (10 men) participated in this study. Vascular endothelial function was assessed, as the RHI, via peripheral artery tonometry using the EndoPAT™ (Itamar Medical Ltd, Caesarea, Israel). Measures were made in the semi-recumbent position at the following time points: 45-min following quiet rest (baseline) as well as 2 hr and 4 hr post consumption of 24 oz of Monster energy drink. The RHI was similar during the three different measurement time points; baseline: 1.7 ± 0.6 units, 2 hr post: 1.8 ± 0.6 units, and 4 hr post: 1.8 ± 0.5 units (main effect of time: P = 0.82). These findings suggest that acute consumption of a commercially available energy drink has no effect on vascular endothelial function.

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