Northern Kentucky University
Acute Effects of 5-Hour ENERGY on Blood Pressure and Subjective Ratings
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Cecile Marczinski
Abstract
Energy shots are marketed as providing users with increased alertness and reductions in fatigue, with no “crash”. Despite recent news reports of cardiovascular complications after consuming 5- Hour ENERGY, empirical evidence is lacking. Moreover, there are no studies examining whether these shots actually alter subjective state as promised in the marketing materials. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of 5-Hour ENERGY on blood pressure readings and on measures of subjective state. Participants (n=12) completed 3 test sessions where they received one of three dose conditions (5-Hour ENERGY, placebo, and no drink). Each test session lasted 6 hours. During each hour of the session, blood pressure readings and measures of subjective state were recorded. Results indicated that systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were highest when participants were in the 5-Hour ENERGY condition at each time point compared to when they were in the placebo or no drink conditions. For subjective ratings, participants reported the lowest sedation ratings, but also the highest anxiety ratings, in the 5- Hour ENERGY condition for each time point after dose administration as compared to the placebo and no drink conditions. These findings suggest that 5-Hour ENERGY may ameliorate feelings of sedation, but it also may elevate blood pressure and feelings of anxiety. The blood pressure results are particularly concerning for consumers who have pre-existing hypertension. Future research on the effects of 5-Hour ENERGY consumption is warranted.
Acute Effects of 5-Hour ENERGY on Blood Pressure and Subjective Ratings
Energy shots are marketed as providing users with increased alertness and reductions in fatigue, with no “crash”. Despite recent news reports of cardiovascular complications after consuming 5- Hour ENERGY, empirical evidence is lacking. Moreover, there are no studies examining whether these shots actually alter subjective state as promised in the marketing materials. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of 5-Hour ENERGY on blood pressure readings and on measures of subjective state. Participants (n=12) completed 3 test sessions where they received one of three dose conditions (5-Hour ENERGY, placebo, and no drink). Each test session lasted 6 hours. During each hour of the session, blood pressure readings and measures of subjective state were recorded. Results indicated that systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were highest when participants were in the 5-Hour ENERGY condition at each time point compared to when they were in the placebo or no drink conditions. For subjective ratings, participants reported the lowest sedation ratings, but also the highest anxiety ratings, in the 5- Hour ENERGY condition for each time point after dose administration as compared to the placebo and no drink conditions. These findings suggest that 5-Hour ENERGY may ameliorate feelings of sedation, but it also may elevate blood pressure and feelings of anxiety. The blood pressure results are particularly concerning for consumers who have pre-existing hypertension. Future research on the effects of 5-Hour ENERGY consumption is warranted.