Energy drinks

2024: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning the sale of underage power engineers

In August 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law prohibiting the sale of non-alcoholic tonic drinks, including power, to minors from March 2025. The law obliges sellers to refuse to sell such drinks if there are doubts about the age of the buyer, and he will not present a document confirming the age.^[1]

2023: Growth of production of energy drinks in Russia by 2.2 times - up to 1096 million liters

During 2019-2023, the production of energy drinks in Russia increased 2.2 times - from 498 million to 1096 million liters. Teenagers are showing great interest in tonic drinks, as stated in BusinesStat materials published on June 7, 2024.

Analysts note that the demand for power in the Russian market is growing steadily. In particular, in 2020, the volume of production of these products increased by 25.8% compared to 2019 - to 626.6 million liters. In 2021, an increase was recorded at 31.9% - up to 826.5 million liters, and in 2022 the industry showed positive dynamics in the amount of 22.1% with a final result of about 1009 million liters. In 2023, the growth rate slowed to 8.6%.

Traditionally, power produced by enterprises specializing in non-alcoholic products. However, the growing demand for tonic drinks has led to alcohol producers entering this market. Thus, the Baltika Brewery Company produces the Flash Up energy drink. The Moscow brewing company is developing the Gorilla brand, the United Breweries - Holding (formerly the United Heineken Breweries) - Solar Power, Abrau-Durso Group of Companies - Varyag by Abrau, AB Inbev Efes - Volt Energy.

Against the background of the current geopolitical situation, Russian companies are striving to occupy the niches vacated after the departure of Coca-Cola (Energy brand) and PepsiCo (Adrenaline Rush brand) from Russia. Domestic manufacturers have actively launched new brands and products, replenishing the assortment of power engineers with new tastes and packaging formats.

On the other hand, a number of problems hinder the development of the energy drinks market in the Russian Federation. Among them are named a high threshold for entering the business due to consumer loyalty to well-known brands, tightening legislative measures and selling counterfeit products that can harm health.^[2]

2022: Fatal blood clots: Energy drinks constrict blood vessels for 90 minutes

Energy drinks constrict blood vessels for 90 minutes, said cardiologist Oleg Varfolomeev at the end of August 2022. According to him, after drinking such drinks, the inner diameter of blood vessels decreases by an average of 50%.

Caffeine and sugar present in such drinks are to blame for this phenomenon. The study participants were non-smokers and were generally recognized as healthy, Varfolomeev explained.

Energy drinks constrict blood vessels for 90 minutes

The endothelium is a layer lining the inner walls of blood vessels, and its damage plays an important role in some cardiovascular diseases. This study tested the effects of these beverages on a healthy endothelium.

Ultrasound was used to check arterial blood flow, the inner diameter of the arteries and the general condition of the blood vessel.

As noted by MedicForum, blood clots are gel-like blood clots. They are useful when formed in response to an injury or cut, clogging a damaged blood vessel, which stops bleeding. However, with narrowing of blood vessels, blood clots can form in the veins. These types of clots increase the risk of serious cardiovascular complications, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Energy consumption has been increasing in recent years, but energy drinks are not yet considered in clinical practice as a risk factor for the development of heart pathologies, while data on the toxic effect of energy drinks have already appeared: sometimes it came to the need for mechanical support of circulation.

Energy drinks are also known to increase blood pressure and cause arrhythmias. All these effects with long-term use of energizers can lead to the onset of cardiomyopathy.^[3]

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