22 Percent of Brazilians Drink Energy Drinks Outside Home Experts Warn of Health Risks

A recent survey by UK market research firm Kantar reveals that 22% of Brazilians, primarily low-income individuals under the age of 29, consume energy drinks outside their homes. These beverages are commonly purchased in supermarkets, liquor stores, and from street vendors.

For some, energy drinks are a party essential. Valeska Nascimento, a cleaner from Brazil, shared: “I drink it all night long to keep dancing and having fun until morning.” However, mixing energy drinks with alcohol is common at parties, especially among young people, raising serious health concerns.

Marcivan Barreto, a community leader in São Paulo’s Heliópolis favela, observed that combining energy drinks with alcohol has become widespread. He described it as a “dangerous combination” that poses significant risks.

Medical experts emphasize that the high caffeine content in energy drinks is a key issue. Acting like a stimulant, caffeine can take effect within minutes, causing increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and even heart palpitations when consumed in excess. Dr. Rodrigo Bougleux, head of the Sports Cardiology Group at the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, stated that energy drinks are safe in moderation but should never be consumed in large quantities.

Earlier this year, Brazilian actor and entrepreneur Rafael Zulu was hospitalized after drinking excessive amounts of energy drinks mixed with gin. Zulu and his wife consumed approximately 2.5 liters in one day, leading to atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by irregular heart rhythms. Zulu was hospitalized for four days and warned others: “I’m living proof that overconsumption has serious consequences.”

In Brazil, energy drinks are regulated by ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency). Labels must clearly display their ingredients and include warnings such as “Not suitable for children, pregnant or nursing women, the elderly, or individuals with health conditions” and “Not recommended for mixing with alcohol.”