Toolbox Talk

Energy Drinks and Hot Weather

A Potential Fatal Combination on Construction Sites
Energy drinks have increased in popularity and are jumping off the shelves around the
nation and across the globe. However, these drinks also present a significant health
hazard and as a result have been banned in many countries.

As an example, during the month of July 2008 a total of 112 construction workers were
rushed to the Biloxi Regional Medical Hospital in Mississippi due to severe dehydration.
Recent deaths of professional and amateur athletes have also been linked to the
consumption of these drinks, in combination with high heat and/or exertion levels.

Here are some frightening facts associated with energy drinks:

™ Some contain as much as 6,000 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per serving
o Six thousand mg of caffeine equals to about 240 cups of coffee
o An average of 25 - 40 mg is a typical range for soft drinks such as Coca-cola or Mountain
Dew
o Caffeine speeds the heart rate, raises blood pressure.
™ Some contain as much as 12% alcohol
o Mixing an energy drink and alcohol can significantly dehydrate a person since they are
both diuretics (causing fluid loss). Dehydration stresses the heart.
™ Some contain as much as 7,000 mg of taurine per serving.
o Taurine is an amino acid and supports neurological development and helps regulate the
level of water and mineral salts in the blood. Taurine is also thought to have antioxidant
properties.
o Up to 3,000 milligrams of supplemental taurine a day is considered safe.

SO, WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM?

Much like the “Perfect Storm,” working out in high heat and humidity causes folks to be
more at risk for heat related illnesses. And when energy drinks are consumed
dehydration can follow quickly, since rather than having the desired effect of rehydrating
the body, the diuretic affect of these drinks accelerates the loss of body fluids!
Normally, the body’s way of keeping itself cool is by letting heat escape through the skin,
and by evaporating sweat (perspiration). If the body does not cool properly or does not
cool enough, the victim may rapidly suffer a heat-related illness such as heat stress, or
potentially fatal heat stroke!

A NEAR TRAGEDY AT BAKER CONCRETE

In the summer of 2008 Baker Concrete almost lost a 28 year old coworker as a direct
result of his attempt at hydrating with energy drinks, even though the hazards of this type
of drink consumption was discussed earlier in the week. When asked after his recovery
about his massive consumption of Red Bull that hot humid day, he said he didn’t believe
us when he was told of the hazards since these drinks are so popular and can be bought
everywhere.
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Energy Drinks and Hot Weather
In this case he was rushed to the hospital where he spent several days after his admission
recovering from extreme dehydration, and was in such a serious condition that he when
he was admitted he was suffering from head to toe muscle spasms and experiencing
excruciating chest pain.

When the attending nurse attempted to draw some blood to evaluate his condition, the
blood would not flow easily/normally, and it was said to have looked and had the
consistency of black sludge. The emergency room doctor was quoted as saying that our
coworker “had one foot in the grave, and was lucky that we had found him in time else he
would have died.”

Energy drinks do not replenish the body after strenuous activity such as
exercise; in fact, they can cause dehydration which puts a strain on the
heart.

SO, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO HYDRATE?

FAQ from www.redbull.com: Is Red Bull Energy Drink suitable as a fluid

replacement?

Answer: “No. Red Bull Energy Drink is an energy drink. It has not been formulated to
deliver re-hydration. Adequate fluid intake is critical during intense and long lasting
physical performance. Without adequate fluid intake, intense physical activities may lead
to dehydration. As Red Bull Energy Drink has not been formulated to deliver re-
hydration, we encourage people who engage in sports to also drink plenty of water during
intense exercise.”

Energy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks. Energy drinks are soft drinks
advertised as providing more energy than a typical drink Sports drinks, such as Gatorade,
Powerade, and Allsport, are formulated to supply optimal amounts of carbohydrates and
electrolytes for endurance exercise, to help rehydrate, and to balance the body’s
chemistry.

Carbohydrates are sugars and starches found in foods like breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables,
pasta, milk, honey, syrups, and table sugar. Carbohydrates are the preferred source of energy for
your body. Regardless of origin, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose that your
blood carries to cells to be used for energy.
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Energy Drinks and Hot Weather
Electrolytes are nutrients that affect fluid balance in the body and are necessary for our nerves
and muscles to function. Sodium and potassium are the two electrolytes most often added to
sports drinks. Generally, electrolyte replacement is not needed during short bursts of exercise
since sweat is approximately 99 percent water and less than 1 percent electrolytes. Water, in
combination with a well-balanced diet, will restore normal fluid and electrolyte levels in the
body. However, replacing electrolytes may be beneficial during continuous activity of longer
duration, especially in a hot environment.
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Energy Drinks and Hot Weather
GUIDELINES FOR STAYING HYDRATED

For exercise or physical exertion lasting less than 1 hour:

• Plain water works just fine and is cost effective.
• If the flavor of a sports drink is more appealing, that’s fine to drink, too. Just remember,
sports drinks are not calorie- or cost-free.

For extended periods of exercise or for physical exertion lasting 1 hour or more:
• Sports drinks containing carbohydrates and electrolytes help prevent dehydration and
restore important minerals lost through perspiration, and they produce better hydration
than water.

HOW MUCH FLUID IS ENOUGH?

During physical activity, fluids are lost through the skin as

sweat, through the lungs during breathing, and in the urine.
Replacing those fluids is important when engaging in any type of
physical activity, whether it is mowing the lawn, playing a game
of soccer, or participating in a 10 mile run. Experts agree that
consuming adequate fluids before beginning a physical activity
is a must. In addition, consuming fluids throughout physical
activity is very important.

So how do we know if our bodies are adequately hydrated?

Don’t rely on thirst as an indicator of your body’s need for
fluids. By the time you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated! In
fact, as we age, thirst becomes an even poorer indicator of the
body’s fluid needs; so adequate fluid replacement is especially
important as we get older.

The most reliable indicator of hydration status is your urine. If

your urine is dark and there’s not much of it, you’re dehydrated
and should increase your fluid intake. Drink fluids until your
urine is pale yellow/clear and plentiful. In general, drink as much
fluid as you can comfortably tolerate both before, during, and
after exercise. Frequently drinking small amounts usually works
better than drinking a large amount once or twice.
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Energy Drinks and Hot Weather
If you are physically active for a duration of 1 hour or more, a cool drink of water may feel
satisfying, but “water ‘turns off’ your thirst before complete rehydration occurs. Water also turns
on the kidneys prematurely so you lose fluid in the form of urine much more quickly than when
drinking a properly formulated sports drink. This is because the small amount of sodium in a
sports drink like Gatorade—no more than what is in an equal size glass of milk—allows your
body to hold onto the fluid you consume rather than losing it through urine.” So, if you are
participating in longer durations of physical activity, you might want to choose a sports drink or
salted snack before the activity. Note: If you have high blood pressure or other medical
conditions requiring you to limit your sodium (salt) intake, consult your physician before using
sports drinks or other salted foods.

* Much of the information contained in this Toolbox Talk has been excerpted from
Health Hint Archives, “Energy & Sports Drinks: Hydration and Health Concerns,
February/March 2006 – Vol. 10, No. 2, provided by Family and Consumer Sciences
AgriLIFE EXTENSION, Texas A &M System.