Comment in response to the Daily Mail article dated 26 May 2009

Source: How young mother lost seven stone on the Red Bull-only diet - then suffered a heart attack

This is a shocking story that demonstrates the problems associated with drinking an excess of caffeine. Obviously this is an extreme case and using Red Bull to achieve weight loss is definitely not recommended.

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, sports drinks, chocolate, coca cola and other fizzy drinks. The way in which caffeine influences weight loss is firstly by dehydration, secondly by increasing the ability to burn more calories and thirdly by suppressing appetite. However theses benefits of caffeine with regard to weight loss are minimal and are far outweighed by its harmful effects. The weight loss seen by Brooke Robertson could not be attributed to just caffeine.

Although caffeine is safe in small amounts, high levels of caffeine can be harmful, causing dehydration and other more severe symptoms. Caffeine increases the risk for heart disease increasing blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rhythm irregularities and homocysteine levels and so caffeine excess was probably the cause of this woman’s heart attack. Caffeine acts as a stressor, stimulating the central nervous system, which in turn triggers the release of stress hormones. Constantly drinking large amounts of caffeine results in the release of stress hormones resulting in a "fight or flight" response. It is these stress hormones which cause increased heart rate, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, shakiness and headaches. Stress hormones also stimulate the release of sugars into the blood stream, so high levels of caffeine plays havoc with blood sugar balance. This can result in energy slumps, cravings for sweet foods and ultimately weight problems.

Caffeine also inhibits the absorption of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium. These minerals are essential for most body functions including heart, kidney, gut and bone health. The stomach cramps and pains that Brooke experienced were more than likely due to caffeine which increases the production of stomach acid, and over time can cause peptic ulcers, oesophagitis and gastric reflux.

However there may have been other contributing factors to Brooke Robertson’s health problems, primarily a lack of nutrients. From the description of Brooke Robertson’s diet it would seem that she would have lost weight despite the Red Bull as she was eating very little food. It is difficult to get the recommended daily allowance of nutrients on the most carefully planned diet but in this case a few handfuls of cereal and ten cans of Red Bull would not provide nearly enough protein, vitamins, minerals or essential fats. Sugar intake is also an issue here as Red Bull is high in sugar. Although sugar provides energy it does not provide nutrient value and excess sugar is linked to diabetes and other degenerative diseases.

Hopefully this article will be a warning to everyone about the dangers of drinking too much caffeine in any form whether energy drinks or coffee. Caffeine, even in small amounts, can cause health problems so I would advise an absolute maximum of one caffeine drink a day and give it up altogether if you can.

The Weight Management Foundation Nutritional Therapist: Cathy Castle BSc, Dip ION