Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

Energy Drinks Destroys Blood Brain Barrier, Leads To Alzheimer's Disease

Regular consumption of <span>energy drinks</span>, especially sugar-free varieties, may damage the brain's protective barrier (blood-brain barrier) and trigger inflammation, a new study, published in <em>Frontiers</em> stated. This study has come as a shocker to many who have been gulping down bottles for mental and physical stimulation. It has also linked these apparent "health drinks" to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. 

<h2>What Is <span rel="noindex">Blood Brain Barrier</span> (BBB)?</h2>

Inside all your blood vessels is a layer of specialized cells called the endothelium. But inside your brain, the endothelium is different. These cells lining the inside of your brain's blood vessels are tightly packed together, forming your blood-brain barrier. They’re so tightly packed that there’s almost no space for anything to slip through without help. These cells have a lipid-based outer membrane. It is because this tightly packed structure that it is able to defend the brain from harmful substances, germs and other things that are dangerous. Besides, this layer also protects the delicate chemical balance inside the brain.

<h2>Mice Were Given Water, Energy Drink And Coca-Cola in Study</h2>

The study was conducted by researchers at Curtin University, who studied the long-term effects of energy drink consumption on brain health using adolescent male mice. Over 13 weeks, the mice were given either water (control), a regular energy drink (Mother), a sugar-free version of the same drink, or Coca-Cola—all diluted to mimic human consumption patterns.

By the end of the study, all groups consuming sugary or sugar-free beverages showed signs of blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Studies have shown that the breakdown of BBB is linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and Down's syndrome. It is also a common reason behind stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic as it contributes to fluid penetration into the brain tissue and potentially leads to vasogenic edema and further brain damage. Moreover, damage os this layer has also been observed in some cases of epilepsy. 

<h2>Sugar-Free Energy Drinks Cause Inflammation</h2>Interestingly, while both the regular and sugar-free energy drinks disrupted the BBB, only the sugar-free version triggered notable brain inflammation. Markers of inflammation were significantly higher in the group consuming sugar-free versions of this drink, indicating increased activation of immune cells in the brain.

The study also found changes in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and inflammatory markers in the blood. Both energy drink types, as well as Coca-Cola, caused elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Surprisingly, sugar-free drinks also led to this spike. At the same time, blood pressure dropped in some mice—a pattern previously linked to longer-term energy drink use.

The researchers concluded that chronic energy drink intake—particularly sugar-free versions—could weaken the blood-brain barrier and promote brain inflammation. These effects appear to be connected to shifts in blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammatory chemicals in the body.

<h2>More Empirical Evidence Needed To Support The Study</h2>

While this study was conducted on mice, the findings raise concerns about frequent energy drink consumption in youth. However, more research is needed to generalise this to humans. Regardless, the results suggest moderation is key when it comes to these highly caffeinated beverages. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Diet & Nutrition

Energy Drinks

Sugar Free Drinks

Blood Brain Barrier

Coca Cola Impact

Skip The Morning Coffee, This One Ayurvedic Drink Is The Secret To Staying Active And Energized All Day

Seeing A Loved One Age Is Difficult, Here Are 8 Signs It's Time For Memory Care

Nutrition

10 Core Exercises To Build Strength

10 Upper Body Exercises To Build Arm Strength

10 Foods That Raise Uric Acid Levels

10 Desk Exercises To Keep You Active

10 Exercises To Help You Do Push-Ups Properly

10 Home Exercises For Core Strength

10 Exercises To Help You Relieve Back Pain

10 Low-Sodium Dinner Options You Must Try

10 Health Benefits Of Star Anise

10 Ways To Recover Quickly After Working Out

10 Low-Sodium Healthy Heart Snack

10 Bedtime Habits To Help You Lose Weight

10 Low Carb Lunch Options You Must Try

10 Foods to Avoid Eating During Season

10 Strength Exercises To Help You Burn Belly Fat

10 Food Habits That Are Ruining Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do For Better Joint Health

10 Foods That Are High-Protein You May Not Know About

10 Fiber Rich Dinner Choices To Try

10 Ways To Curb Unhealthy Cravings

10 Healthy Egg Recipes You Can Try

​10 Morning Exercises You Should Do Everyday​

10 Protein Healthy Bread Recipes

10 Morning Habit You Should Teach Children

10 Nutty Recipes You Should Try For Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do Before Sleeping

10 Exercises You Should Do For Arm Strength

10 Ways You Can Maximize Your Gym Exercises

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

Regular consumption of energy drinks, especially sugar-free varieties, may damage the brain's protective barrier (blood-brain barrier) and trigger inflammation, a new study, published in Frontiers stated. This study has come as a shocker to many who have been gulping down bottles for mental and physical stimulation. It has also linked these apparent "health drinks" to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. What Is Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)?Inside all your blood vessels is a layer of specialized cells called the endothelium. But inside your brain, the endothelium is different. These cells lining the inside of your brain's blood vessels are tightly packed together, forming your blood-brain barrier. They’re so tightly packed that there’s almost no space for anything to slip through without help. These cells have a lipid-based outer membrane. It is because this tightly packed structure that it is able to defend the brain from harmful substances, germs and other things that are dangerous. Besides, this layer also protects the delicate chemical balance inside the brain.Mice Were Given Water, Energy Drink And Coca-Cola in StudyThe study was conducted by researchers at Curtin University, who studied the long-term effects of energy drink consumption on brain health using adolescent male mice. Over 13 weeks, the mice were given either water (control), a regular energy drink (Mother), a sugar-free version of the same drink, or Coca-Cola—all diluted to mimic human consumption patterns.By the end of the study, all groups consuming sugary or sugar-free beverages showed signs of blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Studies have shown that the breakdown of BBB is linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and Down's syndrome. It is also a common reason behind stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic as it contributes to fluid penetration into the brain tissue and potentially leads to vasogenic edema and further brain damage. Moreover, damage os this layer has also been observed in some cases of epilepsy. Sugar-Free Energy Drinks Cause InflammationInterestingly, while both the regular and sugar-free energy drinks disrupted the BBB, only the sugar-free version triggered notable brain inflammation. Markers of inflammation were significantly higher in the group consuming sugar-free versions of this drink, indicating increased activation of immune cells in the brain.The study also found changes in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and inflammatory markers in the blood. Both energy drink types, as well as Coca-Cola, caused elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Surprisingly, sugar-free drinks also led to this spike. At the same time, blood pressure dropped in some mice—a pattern previously linked to longer-term energy drink use.The researchers concluded that chronic energy drink intake—particularly sugar-free versions—could weaken the blood-brain barrier and promote brain inflammation. These effects appear to be connected to shifts in blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammatory chemicals in the body.More Empirical Evidence Needed To Support The StudyWhile this study was conducted on mice, the findings raise concerns about frequent energy drink consumption in youth. However, more research is needed to generalise this to humans. Regardless, the results suggest moderation is key when it comes to these highly caffeinated beverages. 