ENERGY drinks can cause a stroke, warn doctors who treated a man who nearly died after guzzling eight a day.
Medics at Nottingham University Hospitals said the unnamed patient in his 50s has been left with permanent nerve damage in his left hand and foot.
Under-16s are already banned from buying super high caffeine drinks and experts say even tougher regulation is needed.
They warned some of the drinks have more than five times as much caffeine as coffee.
Dr Martha Coyle said: “As our case illustrates, it is possible that intake of energy drinks may increase cardiovascular disease and stroke risk.”
Writing in the journal BMJ Case Reports, Dr Coyle revealed the man arrived at hospital suffering a stroke despite appearing fit and healthy.
Blood pressure twice the normal level
Tests showed his blood pressure was through the roof, with a reading of 254/150.
That was more than double the top of the normal range, set at 120/80, and much higher than the high blood pressure threshold of 140/90.
Doctors brought his blood pressure down and sent him home but it rocketed again.
He then revealed he had been drinking eight energy drinks per day, consuming up to 1,300mg of caffeine, compared to the recommended daily maximum of 400mg.
The patient said: “I obviously wasn’t aware of the dangers energy drinks were causing to myself.
“I have been left with numbness in my left hand, fingers, foot and toes even after eight years.”
Dr Coyle said most people do not think energy drinks pose a heart risk and more should be done to raise awareness.
She said in the journal: “2018 saw major UK supermarkets implement a voluntary ban on sales to under 16s in a drive to tackle obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.
“Less explored are the possible increased risks of cardiovascular disease, including strokes, particularly in younger groups otherwise expected to have lower stroke risk.”
CHILDREN BANNED FROM BUYING ENERGY DRINKS
CHILDREN will be banned from buying energy drinks under plans announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting in September.
The move — affecting brands such as Monster and Celsius — is intended to slash obesity rates and save the NHS millions of pounds.
Mr Streeting confirmed proposals to make it illegal for shops to sell high-caffeine drinks — also linked to disrupted sleep, heightened anxiety and poor concentration — to under-16s.
He said: “How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of a double espresso in their system on a daily basis?
“The sleep, concentration and wellbeing of kids are all being impacted, while high-sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity.
“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”
