Evaluation of Systemic Microvascular Reactivity After Ingestion of an Energy Drink in Young Male Volunteers

Purpose: Energy drinks (EDs) are nonalcoholic beverages whose main ingredients are sugar, taurine, and caffeine. Their consumption is rising worldwide, with only few conflicting studies examining their vascular effects in young adults. We evaluated microvascular reactivity (MR) before and after ED in young healthy male volunteers.

Methods: Systemic MR was evaluated in the skin of the forearm using laser speckle contrast imaging with acetylcholine (ACh) iontophoresis before, 90 and 180 minutes after the consumption of one can of ED or the same volume of water (control), followed by postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH).

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Endothelial Function

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Eduardo Tibiriçá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

About this study

Energy drinks (EDs) are nonalcoholic beverages whose main ingredients are sugar, taurine, and caffeine. These products are marketed as boosters of mental and physical performance and are increasingly used in Western societies. Case reports of adverse effects related to ED consumption have been described in healthy young individuals, including coronary artery vasospasm, and myocardial infarction. These data suggest that endothelial dysfunction (EDysf) plays a role in ED cardiovascular effects and have prompted studies with conflicting results. The present study evaluated the microvascular reactivity (MR) after ingestion of one can of ED compared to a control, in young healthy male volunteers.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

healthy male volunteers with no relevant findings in the medical history

Exclusion criteria

being a competitive athlete;
being on regular medication;
using illicit drugs;
being allergic to coffee, taurine or any of the components of the selected energy drink; - -
having a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2.

Treatment and study plan

Ingestion of the energy drink (Red Bull®)

Dietary Supplement

Ingestion of 250 ml of the energy drink (Red Bull®)

Ingestion of mineral water

Dietary Supplement

Ingestion of 250 ml of mineral water (Minalba®)

Primary outcomes

Endothelium-dependent skin microvascular reactivity

Time frame: Microvascular reactivity will be evaluated after a 20-minute rest in the supine position in a temperature-controlled room.

Cutaneous microvascular flow measured with laser speckle contrast imaging

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Institute of Cardiology, Laranjeiras, Brazil

Other Gov

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2020
Primary completion: 2022
Study completion: 2022
First posted: Oct 12, 2022
Registry last updated: Oct 14, 2022

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed