The consumption of energy drinks can contribute to the formation of kidney stonesas can many other foods and beverages.
Other ingredients like guarana, B vitamins, and artificial sweeteners can do the same.
What Are Energy Drinks Made Of?
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Others containsucrose(table sugar) made from sugar cane or sugar beets.
Sugars like these can contribute to the formation of uric acid stones by decreasing thepHof your urine.
The risk of this is greatest in people withinsulin resistanceanddiabetes.
Fructose can also independently increase uric acid levels in your urine.
Are Artificial Sweeteners Better?
“Natural” sugar substitutes likesteviaare thought to be better for your kidneys.
Caffeine contributes to kidney stones because of its diuretic effects (meaning the ability to promote urination).
Guarana
Guarana is a popular natural ingredient found in many energy drinks.
This can amplify the diuretic effects of energy drinks made with guarana.
Sodium
An 8-ounce can of Monster energy drink delivers 180 mg of sodium per serving.
On the other hand, avitamin B deficiencycan lead to fatigue and a severe loss of energy.
Other ingredients like guarana, artificial sweeteners, and vitamin B can do the same.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Energy drinks.
University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.Energy drinks.
American Heart Association.How much sugar is too much sugar?
2018 Nov 8;19:315. doi:10.1186/s12882-018-1105-0
National Kidney Foundation.Are sugar substitutes better for your kidneys?
2022 Oct 10;9:935820. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.935820
National Kidney Foundation.New study supports coffee and caffeine can reduce kidney stones risk.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Sodium in your diet.
2017 Jul 3;46(3):265270. doi:10.1007/s00240-017-0999-5
