14 avril 2023
Some drinks are said to provide an energy boost. Others are marketed by highlighting their stimulating properties for athletes. What do you think of each of them? Are they effective? And above all, are they completely safe?
Caffeine. A little coffee to avoid dozing off. Many of us happily turn to a strong espresso to regain a vibrant state of wakefulness during the day. Rightly so since coffee, like tea, contains caffeine, a substance capable of “counter the sedative effect due to the activation of certain receptors present in the brain”, explains the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses). This allows you to maintain heightened vigilance.
However, it is advisable to drink it in moderation because “by raising blood pressure, caffeine can lead to tachycardia”, continues ANSES. In this case, the heart starts beating too fast. “This effect seems to be all the more marked when caffeine consumption is high and when the consumer is not used to consuming it. »
Energy drinks. But caffeine is not only absorbed in tea or coffee. “Some people consume caffeine-rich so-called ‘energy’ drinks to improve their physical performance,” explains ANSES. Gold, “during physical exercise, caffeine consumption is a cardiac risk factor in predisposed people”, continues the agency.
Not to mention that these drinks often also contain taurine and D-glucuronolactone, as well as vitamins and plant extracts (ginseng, guarana). Their absorption carries risks. Taurine, especially when combined with caffeine, may have effects on cardiovascular activity, including a risk of feelings of tightness or chest pain, tachycardia, hypertension, rhythm disturbances up to to cardiac arrest. Not to mention a risk of irritability, nervousness, anxiety or even panic attacks, hallucinations and epilepsy.
As for D-glucuronolactone, which has the reputation of fighting against fatigue, at high doses, it would expose to a risk of renal toxicity.
Energy drinks. If you want to give yourself the energy to play sports, it is better to turn to energy drinks. These, intended specifically for athletes, provide carbohydrates (sugar), sodium and vitamin B1. Also called “exercise drinks”, they provide hydration and energy to maintain physical abilities. Useful but not essential.