What do experts say about energy drink safety?

Experts raise concerns about energy drinks: caffeine may cause jitteriness and could, in theory, hinder muscular oxygenation, while excessive taurine was linked to a possible microvascular concern. They recommend moderation and checking what a drink contains.

• Caffeine: It can make consumers jittery. Huberman and Craig Heller reasoned that because caffeine blocks adenosine—which can increase blood flow and oxygen supply to muscle—it might hinder muscular oxygenation; Heller noted he could not give an authoritative answer on performance effects. 1
• Taurine: Huberman recounted that after drinking a lot of an energy drink, the whites of his eyes turned red. An ophthalmologist friend suggested excessive taurine might have caused microvascular damage; Huberman presented this as an anecdote and a consideration, not a definitive finding. 2
• Possible deeper effects: Huberman said his friend thought eye microvascular damage could indicate similar damage deeper in the skull. This was part of the anecdotal account, not a confirmed conclusion. 3
• Moderation and ingredients: Huberman advised reducing caffeine, especially for younger consumers, and checking energy drinks’ ingredients and considering the effects of repeated use. 4