BETWEEN STIMULATION AND RISK: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF ENERGY DRINKS ON THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze scientific evidence regarding the impacts of energy drink consumption on the central nervous system (CNS). It is an integrative literature review conducted using the PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases, covering publications in Portuguese and English from January 2021 to July 2026. Thirty-two studies were identified, one of which was removed due to duplication. Following screening and the application of eligibility criteria, 19 studies were assessed for relevance, and nine comprised the review's final sample. The findings demonstrated specific cognitive effects—primarily related to attention, alertness, and reaction time—especially during states of fatigue. However, these benefits were not uniform across different cognitive domains. Conversely, frequent or excessive consumption was associated with sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, and other neurobehavioral consequences, particularly among young people and in situations of sleep deprivation. It is concluded that energy drinks produce transient stimulant effects, but their habitual or excessive consumption warrants caution due to potential impacts on sleep, behavior, and mental health.