Energy Drinks and Cardiovascular Health: A Critical Review of Recent Evidence

This literature review examined the relationship between energy drink consumption and cardiovascular health in young people. Following PRISMA 2020, we searched Scopus for articles published from 2020 to 2025 and included 33 original studies after screening 133 records. Evidence from observational, clinical, and experimental research was synthesized into six themes: youth consumption; direct cardiovascular outcomes; composition and toxicity; animal or cellular experiments; perceptions and habits; and occupational or sociodemographic factors. Across studies, habitual intake was linked to acute blood-pressure rises, arrhythmias, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances, sometimes within 24 h of a single can. Risks were amplified by high caffeine and taurine doses and by co-use with alcohol or intense exercise. Adolescents and young adults were most vulnerable, due to heightened sympathetic responses, frequent use under academic or work stress, and limited risk perception. Authors highlighted five actions: longitudinal research; tighter ingredient monitoring and transparent labeling; consumer education; protection of vulnerable groups; and clinical guidance for responsible use. These results were observed across regions and study designs. Overall, the findings indicate that unregulated energy-drink consumption is a preventable cardiovascular risk in youth, justifying the use of coordinated public-health measures, including curriculum-based education, marketing restrictions, ingredient oversight, and clinical screening to mitigate harm.