Implications of energy drink consumption for hepatic structural and functional changes: a review

Abstract

Purpose

In the recent decades, energy drinks consumption has increased dramatically. Many researches found their adverse effects on the structure and function of organs and systems, with nervous and cardiovascular systems most studied. Liver is one of the priority target organs in case of beverages consumption. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of energy drink consumption on morphofunctional conditions of liver.

Design/methodology/approach

A search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and eLIBRARY.ru databases was performed using relevant keywords.

Findings

Both clinical and experimental data concerning effects of energy drink use on structure and function of liver are summarized and systematized in this review. Most of them documented hepatotoxicity after prolonged over-consumption of energy drinks. Probable mechanisms of action of their basic ingredients (sugars, caffeine, taurine, D-glucuronolactone, vitamin B3) on morphology and functioning of liver as well as combined use of energy drinks with alcohol are described.

Originality value

This review paper represents evidential information about the negative impact of energy drink consumption on morphofunctional conditions of liver.

Citation

Kutia, S., Kriventsov, M., Moroz, G., Gafarova, E. and Trofimov, N. (2020), "Implications of energy drink consumption for hepatic structural and functional changes: a review", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 50 No. 5, pp. 937-953. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-08-2019-0260