Drinking certain energy drinks may cause significant damage to the heart, according to new findings published in Food and Chemical Toxicology.

Because the consumption of these beverages is not regulated and they are widely accessible over the counter to all age groups, the potential for adverse health effects of these products is a subject of concern and needed research, lead researcher Ivan Rusyn, MD, PhD, a professor at Texas A&M University in College Station, said in a prepared statement.

Rusyn et al. assessed a total of 17 popular energy drinks, studying their chemical profiles and looking for any associations with potential cardiac complications. Energy drinks sold by Adrenaline, Shoc, Bang Star, C4, CELSIUS, HEAT, EBOOST, Game Fuel, GURU, Kill Cliff, Kickstart, Monster Energy, Red Bull, Reign, Rockstar, RUNA, UPTIME, Venom Energy and Xyience Energy were all part of the teams analysis.

Overall, the authors found that stem cell-derived cardiomyocyteshuman heart cells grown in a laboratoryshowed signs of an increased beat rate after being exposed to some energy drinks. Also, theophylline, adenine and azelate were all ingredients the team associated with potentially contributing to QT prolongation in cardiomyocytes.

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Energy drinks may damage the heart, researchers warnshould the FDA get involved? - Cardiovascular Business