By Ismaila Biliaminu Manne

Copyright tribuneonlineng

The term “energy drinks” refers to non-alcoholic beverages characterized by the presence of caffeine, sugar, vitamins, amino acids, and other stimulants such as guarana, taurine, and ginseng.

Unlike other regular sugary drinks, such as sodas and fruit juices, energy drinks contain ingredients specifically designed to boost energy levels and increase alertness. In most instances, these non-alcoholic beverages share similar ingredients that are added to be fortified with additional ingredients such as B1, B2, and B12, and other ingredients. However, while these additions are often promoted, there is no scientific evidence supporting significant health benefits.

Globally, the energy drinks market has become a major business, and in Nigeria, the market has experienced remarkable growth in recent years.

According to Statista, total revenue for energy drinks in Nigeria is projected to reach approximately US$4.56 billion in 2025, with the vast majority of sales occurring in supermarkets and convenience stores (US$4.49 billion) and an additional US$70.97 million generated in restaurants and bars. This sector continues to expand rapidly, with at-home sales expected to grow by 15.69% annually between 2025 and 2030.

On average, Nigerians are projected to spend US$18.89 per person and consume 2.40 liters of energy drinks annually. These figures highlight the growing prominence of energy drinks in the Nigerian market and underscore the importance of assessing their public health implications.

Experts Weigh In

According to a post by a Family Physician, Dr Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya on X (formerly Twitter), generally, energy drinks are pumped with glucose and caffeine, among other things.

“The high glucose gives you energy, and the high caffeine is a stimulant that keeps you alert and energised. However, the downside that many of them never tell you is that high caffeine can be very harsh on your stomach, can worsen/trigger stomach ulcers, this can cause stomach pains in some people when they take energy drinks,” the post reads in part.

The doctor further stated that the same high caffeine can cause “your heart to overwork, cause your heart rate to go faster, can give you irregular heartbeat, this can cause you headache, low blood pressure, dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain and you can collapse. This could even be far worse than I described if you already have (unknown) heart problems.”

In an interview with a public health specialist, Muhammad Kabir, a Nigerian US-based researcher and public health professional, “prevention is not only preferable but also more economical than treatment. This principle compels us to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks associated with the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages such as energy drinks,” he expressed.

Should they be consumed? “The answer is yes,” he agreed, adding that, but always with moderation, and ideally within recommended daily limits.

Muhammad gave some evidence that suggests short-term benefits from energy drink consumption, including improved alertness and temporarily enhanced physical performance, mainly as a result of caffeine’s stimulating effects. However, “these benefits are fleeting, and mounting research highlights a range of serious health risks associated with regular intake.”

What Research Says

Research has shown disturbing concerns about energy drinks. For example, frequent consumption of energy drinks has been linked to increased risk-taking behaviors, such as greater use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substances.

Studies also report associations between energy drink intake and mental health challenges, including higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Users commonly experience sleep disturbances, headaches, irritability, and persistent fatigue.

Cardiovascular risks associated with the consumption of energy drinks are particularly concerning. Acute intake can raise blood pressure and heart rate. For adults, consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day exceeds recommended limits, while for children and adolescents, intake should not exceed 100 mg per day. Exceeding these levels can result in toxic effects such as seizures and dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. According to the U.S. National Poison Data System, over 4,000 energy drink-related incidents were reported in a single year (2011), with cases disproportionately affecting young people.

Furthermore, studies showed energy drinks contain high levels of sugar, similar to other sugar-sweetened beverages, and have been associated with health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, dental decay, and kidney damage in animal research. Because the extra calories from these drinks are rarely compensated for by consuming fewer calories from other foods, regular consumption can increase the risk of metabolic disorders.

Overall, energy drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages have become very popular in Nigeria. While these products might give some people a quick energy or alertness boost, growing research shows that the health risks from frequent or excessive consumption far outweigh these temporary benefits.

Muhammad recommended that, as the Nigerian market grows, producers and marketers have a critical role to play in protecting public health.

“First, producers should collaborate with policymakers, public health advocates, and educators to promote responsible marketing, clear labeling, and effective consumer education on safe consumption practices. Creating and enforcing evidence-based daily consumption guidelines, along with proactive public health campaigns, will help make informed choices and reduce potential health risks,” he said.

He added that a collaborative approach will promote both public health and responsible business practices, enabling Nigeria and across the world to strike a balance where individuals can enjoy energy drinks in moderation while protecting their long-term well-being.