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"Vodka energy": too much for the adolescent nephron?
Isabelle Schöffl1, Jürgen F Kothmann, Volker Schöffl
1Department of aPediatrics, Klinikum Bamberg, 96052 Bamberg, Germany. isabelle.schoeffl@me.com
Pediatrics
|June 15, 2011
Summary
Energy drinks mixed with alcohol can cause acute kidney injury, even in young people. This case highlights the dangers of combining high caffeine and alcohol, despite marketing that suggests otherwise.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Adolescent Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Energy drinks (EDs) are popular among adolescents.
- Combining EDs with alcohol is a common practice, particularly among adolescents.
- The perceived reduction in alcohol's effects by EDs may encourage excessive consumption.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male experienced acute renal failure.
- The patient consumed 3 liters of ED and 1 liter of vodka.
- This mixture contained high levels of taurine (4600 mg), caffeine (780 mg), and alcohol (380 g).
Findings:
- Acute renal failure following extreme consumption of EDs and alcohol.
- The combination of high caffeine, taurine, and alcohol poses significant health risks.
- Low awareness persists regarding the dangers of EDs, especially when mixed with alcohol.
Implications:
- Urgent need for increased awareness and education on the risks of energy drink consumption in adolescents.
- Potential for severe health consequences, including kidney damage, from mixing energy drinks with alcohol.
- Re-evaluation of marketing practices by energy drink manufacturers, particularly sponsorships in sports, is warranted.
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