Disappointing news for energy drink lovers, a new study has revealed some disturbing health effects of the popular type of beverage. The study, presented at AHA’s Scientific Sessions 2018 delves into the effects of energy drink consumption on healthy, young adult subjects and the findings showed that after just one energy drink, blood vessel function was at a notably lower level. This isn’t the first time energy drinks have been highlighted for their potentially hazardous effect on health, with energy drinks being linked in the past to development of issues with nerves, cardiovascular conditions and stomach problems. Many have theorized that the cardiovascular link, specifically, is a direct result of how energy drinks impact blood vessels.

After consuming a 24 ounce energy drink, the young med students participating in the study were tested for general blood vessel health by way of artery flow-mediated dilation (a kind of ultrasound test).

You may love energy drinks, but your heart sure doesn’t.

This showed a sharp decline in blood vessel dilation from a 5.1% diameter to just 2.8% which means blood vessels experience a severe and sudden impairment in doing what they’re supposed to do. The negative effects were posited, by researchers, to be the result of the combination of ingredients in the drink, specifically the high amounts of caffeine, sugar and taurine, among others.

Although this study is but the latest in a growing body of research on the health impact of energy drinks, its findings should definitely be taken into account when choosing what beverage to drink. Over time, the choices of what you put into your body on a regular basis could be the difference between good health and a life riddled with health ailments and chronic illnesses.

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