A team of researchers from Tasmania University in their latest findings have found that drinking energy drinks and alcohol together may provide a double-edged effect, the ABC news reported.
"The increased stimulation from energy drinks may negate some intoxication-related sedation side effects by increasing alertness. However, it could also lead to negative physiological side effects associated with over-stimulation."
The findings were published after surveying over 400 Australians aged 18 to 35 and compared their consumption of alcohol and energy drinks (AmEDs), with their consumption of alcohol only, in the preceding 6 months.
In Australia, an energy drink contains a similar amount of caffeine to a cup of instant coffee, Amy Peacock, who worked on the research as part of her PhD in the School of Psychology, said while recommending maximum daily intake is two energy drinks per day.
Peacock and her team found when people consumed AmEDs they drank, on average, 2.5 energy drinks with 7 standard drinks of alcohol in one sitting.
Maximum consumption levels were 10 energy drinks and 20 standard drinks of alcohol.
They found when people drank AmEDs they were more likely to have symptoms of over-stimulation including heart palpitations, sleep difficulties, agitation, tremors, increased speech speed, irritability and tension.
"Those side-effects are prominent symptoms of caffeine overexposure," Peacock said.
She said these findings are in keeping with the overall results from previous international research.
The researchers also found AmED consumption countered the sedative effects of alcohol, with users having less speech and walking difficulties, confusion, exhaustion and sadness.
The researchers also investigated the link between AmEDs and alcohol and risk-taking behaviours, including those involving driving, sexual behaviour, aggressive behaviour, illicit drug use and gambling.
Interestingly, they found that people drinking AmEDs were less likely to engage in these risky behaviours - despite drinking half a standard drink more than when drinking alcohol only.
These findings fly in the face of the main message coming from previous international findings, which suggest AmED consumption is associated with greater risk taking. "It was a very surprising outcome for us," Peacock said.
