Dr. Najeeb Saleh Abdulrahman, Specialist Gastroenterologist at International Modern Hospital in Dubai, warns that excessive energy drink consumption can trigger acid reflux, stomach pain and digestive disturbances, while dangerously high caffeine intake may lead to serious medical complications.

Dubai: Energy drinks have become a daily habit for many teenagers and young adults, often promoted as a quick solution for tiredness, poor concentration and low energy. From students preparing for exams to professionals working long hours and fitness enthusiasts seeking an extra boost, these beverages are increasingly associated with productivity and performance.

However, a Dubai-based gastroenterologist is warning that their potential health consequences extend far beyond the heart and nervous system.

Dr. Najeeb Saleh Abdulrahman, Specialist Gastroenterologist at International Modern Hospital, says excessive consumption of energy drinks can affect the digestive system, potentially worsening acid reflux, stomach discomfort and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

What happens to your stomach after an energy drink?

According to Dr. Abdulrahman, energy drinks commonly contain caffeine, sugar and other stimulants that can influence digestive function.

“The negative effects of energy drinks are not limited to the heart and nervous system. They can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. Caffeine may stimulate stomach acid production and contribute to symptoms such as acidity, heartburn, nausea and abdominal pain, particularly when these drinks are consumed excessively or on an empty stomach,” he explains.

People who already experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may find that highly caffeinated drinks aggravate their symptoms, although individual responses vary.

Could your daily energy drink be making IBS worse?

The digestive consequences may extend beyond the stomach.

Dr. Abdulrahman explains that caffeine can stimulate bowel movements, while certain sweeteners found in sugar-free energy drinks may contribute to bloating, gas or diarrhoea in sensitive individuals.

“For some patients, we see an increase in bloating, digestive discomfort and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, particularly when energy drinks are consumed daily or in large quantities,” he says.

He advises people who experience recurring digestive symptoms to pay attention to whether their discomfort worsens after consuming these beverages.

Energy drinks during exercise: A hidden concern

Another concern is the misconception that energy drinks are suitable substitutes for water or properly formulated sports hydration drinks.

Although caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, moderate caffeine intake does not necessarily cause dehydration, particularly in regular consumers.

However, Dr. Abdulrahman cautions that relying on energy drinks instead of appropriate fluid replacement during intense exercise or prolonged exposure to heat may increase the risk of inadequate hydration.

This is particularly relevant in the UAE, where high temperatures and heavy sweating can significantly increase the body’s fluid requirements.

When too much caffeine becomes a medical emergency

While digestive discomfort may be one of the earlier warning signs, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine over a short period can have much more serious consequences.

Dr. Abdulrahman warns that caffeine toxicity can cause severe nausea, repeated vomiting, dizziness, confusion and rapid heartbeat. In serious cases, it can lead to dangerous heart rhythm disturbances or seizures.

“One of the biggest concerns is that people may not realise how much caffeine they are consuming, especially when they combine energy drinks with coffee, supplements or other stimulants throughout the same day,” he explains.

He stresses that severe symptoms, including persistent vomiting, marked confusion, significant palpitations or seizures, require immediate medical attention.

Why teenagers may be particularly vulnerable

Beyond the medical risks, Dr. Abdulrahman raises concerns about how energy drinks are marketed, particularly to younger consumers.

Advertising campaigns and social media content frequently associate these products with sporting achievement, physical strength, concentration and success.

“The greater concern is that energy drinks are often promoted as symbols of energy, success and athletic performance without adequately explaining the potential health risks of excessive consumption. This can encourage teenagers to consume them regularly without understanding the consequences,” he says.

Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to the unwanted effects of caffeine, and medical organisations recommend that they avoid energy drinks.

What should consumers do?

Dr. Abdulrahman recommends checking caffeine content on product labels, avoiding multiple highly caffeinated beverages within short periods and recognising that individual tolerance varies.

People with acid reflux, IBS or recurring digestive discomfort should monitor whether energy drinks trigger or worsen their symptoms.

He also emphasises that energy drinks should never replace adequate sleep, balanced nutrition or proper hydration.

“Real energy does not come from a can. It comes from sufficient sleep, healthy nutrition and proper hydration. Young people need to understand that repeatedly relying on stimulants to fight fatigue may be masking lifestyle habits that need to change rather than addressing the underlying cause of tiredness,” Dr. Abdulrahman concludes.