Energy Drink Use Linked To Rising Liver Damage Among Young Indians

NEW DELHI-Leading specialists have warned that excessive consumption of energy drinks is emerging as a major cause of liver damage among India’s youth, with doctors reporting that young patients are increasingly showing early signs of liver disease.

Doctors said energy drinks are aggressively marketed to young consumers as performance enhancers and fatigue relievers, but often contain caffeine levels far exceeding recommended daily limits, along with substances such as taurine and herbal stimulants that the liver must metabolize.

Over time, this biochemical overload can impair liver function, medical experts said.

Doctors also cautioned against the growing trend of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. They said the stimulant effect of caffeine can mask the sedative effects of alcohol, leading individuals to consume more alcohol than they realize.

Three major contributors to liver dysfunction are energy drinks, alcohol, and high-sugar beverages. Alcohol continues to be a leading cause of liver disease, and sugary drinks contribute to fatty liver disease.

A case published in the journal BMJ Case Reports documented acute hepatitis in a previously healthy individual linked to excessive energy drink consumption, caused by high levels of niacin (Vitamin B3), which is known to be hepatotoxic.

Experts said research has shown that high sugar content, caffeine, and chemical additives in energy drinks can trigger fat accumulation in liver cells, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

They added that when consumed frequently, especially alongside alcohol or unhealthy diets, these beverages significantly increase the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Studies have suggested that nearly 25 to 30 per cent of the urban population may be suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with a growing number of adolescents and young adults affected. (IANS)