The case described in the journal BMJ Case Reports, makes look at energy drinks with caution. It turns out that excessive consumption can trigger the development of acute hepatitis and cause liver failure.
A previously healthy 50-year-old American was hospitalized with complaints of General malaise, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice and dark urine. He did not take any drugs, not injecting drugs, not having unprotected sex and contact with contaminated sharp objects. But the man said that during the last 3 weeks I drank 4-5 cans of energy drinks daily.
Within 3 weeks the man was drinking 4-5 cans of energy drinks daily.
Why popular energy fall under the attention of clinicians
Ultrasound detected echogenic areas in the liver and diffuse thickening of the walls of the gall bladder and the biopsy showed severe acute hepatitis C, bridge-like necrosis of the liver and cholestasis. Experts at the University of Florida came to the conclusion that the development of acute viral hepatitis patient was secondary to excessive consumption of energy drinks. Perhaps now popular energy fall under the attention of clinicians.
Associated symptoms:
Yellow sclera Yellow skin Change the color of urineVomitingNausea Abdominal pain Loss of appetite Loss of appetite
The development of acute hepatitis because of addiction to energy drinks a rarity, but the main suspect in this case Niacin (vitamin B3). 4 servings energy contains about 200 mg of Niacin, twice the recommended daily dose.
4 servings energy contains about 200 mg of Niacin, twice the recommended daily dose.
Elevated levels of vitamin B3 does not typically cause intoxication, but for patients with chronic liver disease can prove dangerous. Previously acute hepatitis due to excessive energy developed in 22-year-old girl.
As energy acting on the liver
In the case of a new patient, the symptoms of hepatitis C has been eliminated on the third day after hospitalization. Now, the man will need careful observation and systematic treatment. He stopped drinking energy drinks and similar products that contain vitamin B3.
The authors of the case studies indicate that, despite natural, vitamin and herbal supplements can be toxic to the liver.
The energy drink market is expanding rapidly, because consumers should be aware of the potential risks of their ingredients. Vitamins and nutrients such as Niacin, can be present in the composition in amounts far exceeding the recommended daily dose, the report said.
Associated diseases:
JaundiceCholestasis Liver failure Chronic hepatitis Acute viral hepatitisHepatitis