eli5: Why are caffeinated energy drink dangerous unlike coffee which is safe

Question

I often hear that an energy drink is dangerous and will cause problems in the longterm while I don’t hear anything about coffee

Both contains caffeine, although an energy drinks gives much more energy and focus

In: 7

Answer 1

The caffeine amounts are comparable by volume, but energy drinks are often larger and consumed in greater quantities.

Also, caffeine **often isn’t the only stimulant present**. Others, like guarana, ginseng, taurine, l-carnitine, and even ephedrine may be added *in addition* to the caffeine.

Drug interactions are weird, and some drugs have *synergistic* effects (their effects magnify each other, rather than just adding to). Energy drinks are not regulated as drugs, so potential stimulant interactions may not even be officially monitored. [Studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8541613/) are limited.

There are more reasons than just the caffeine content that may make them dangerous.

Plus, energy drinks are typically loaded with sugar and lack the antioxidant properties that may actually give coffee some health benefits. They’re also often consumed like soda by people who wouldn’t normally drink coffee (like kids).