New Warning About Energy Drinks Causing Rise In Blood Pressure

BOSTON (CBS) - A third of teens and young adults say they consume energy drinks on a regular basis. As Dr. Mallika Marshall reports, there is more evidence that they can have a negative impact on health.

Energy drinks, often high in sugar and caffeine, may have unwanted health effects, like weight gain and abnormal heart rhythms. Now it looks like they may cause a rise in blood pressure.

In a small study, 25 young adults were randomized to drink a 16-ounce Rockstar Energy Drink or a placebo and within 30 minutes, those who drank the Rockstar beverage had on average a 6% rise in blood pressure and about a 70% rise in a stress hormone that can affect the heart.