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Posted on: Jan 29, 2008
Ask Dr. Gamer: Energy Drinks
WORDS BY: Dr. Frederick Chen, M.D., M.P.H.
Dear Dr. Gamer:
I've noticed that certain energy drinks show the amount of caffeine in their nutritional facts. Since I usually drink them to stay awake during marathon gaming sessions, I started to wonder: How much caffeine can a person consume before experiencing minor, moderate, and severe side effects? And what are the potential side effects anyway? Thanks for taking the time to answer.
— Bennanias
Dr. Gamer responds:
Energy drinks are really more “drink” than “energy.” Most of them contain up to 80 milligrams of caffeine — about three times more than soda. The effect of caffeine on your body varies but usually includes jitteriness, rapid heartbeats, sweating, and elevated blood pressure. There have been a couple reported overdoses resulting in seizures or even death.
Caffeine, like most drugs, is addictive and creates dependence. That’s why grandma doesn’t feel good after drinking one can and your average coffee drinker won’t notice three or four. Plus, caffeine is no substitute for sleep — so while it keeps you up for the marathon gaming session, your body still needs to make up the lost down-time.
In addition to caffeine and sugar, most energy drinks also have other hocus-pocus ingredients like taurine, B vitamins, and herbal stimulants. None of these have actually been shown to increase alertness and energy, but if you think really hard that you’re going to be more alert, you may actually become so.
*OXM’s Dr. Gamer is actually Dr. Frederick Chen, M.D., M.P.H., from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Washington. He’s currently studying the diminishing effect of Mass Effect on his free time. Dr. Gamer’s answers are for informational purposes only and should never replace a true diagnosis or treatment from your family physician. Got a question for Dr. Gamer? Send it to letters@officialxboxmagazine.com with the subject line “Ask Dr. Gamer.” If you are currently suffering from a game-related health issue, contact your own real-life physician immediately.
Wed, 10/15/2008 - 23:46
Posted by Vangerdahast
Next up, compare the effects of marijuana and gaming as compared to alcohol/caffeine/ or any other legal pharmies.
Thu, 01/31/2008 - 13:42
Posted by sHo76uNd3Wd
Yea, I stopped drinking them. I also quit drinking pop(or soda anywhere outside of Indiana) I feel so much better and find that I am actually able to stay awake longer with less sleep. I drink Tea now and it is a much better substitute for caffeine intake.
Tue, 01/29/2008 - 18:36
Posted by Bennanias
w00t. this would be a great ongoing article imo.
Tue, 01/29/2008 - 14:54
Posted by SamuraiSarge
God, finally! I was waiting for someone to actually put all this energy drink crap to rest. All my friends LOVE energy drinks and swear by them but i can't stand the stuff because you're doing nothing more than dumping huge amounts of sugar and caffeine into your body. I don't know about you guys but that sounds almost as smart as sitting REALLY close to your tv so you can "see better"