Nigeria’s growing appetite for energy drinks—especially among young people—has triggered renewed warnings from cardiovascular experts, who say the stimulant-laden beverages pose a far more serious health threat than most consumers realise.
At the centre of the caution is Dr Abubakar Sani, Consultant Cardiologist at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, who describes excessive energy-drink consumption as a “time bomb” for heart health, particularly in a country already grappling with rising cardiovascular disease.
Why Energy Drinks Are Becoming a Youth Habit
Across urban centres and university communities, energy drinks have evolved from occasional stimulants into daily lifestyle products. Many young Nigerians consume them to:
- Endure long work or study hours
- Boost alertness and perceived performance
- Enhance sexual stamina
- Intensify effects when mixed with alcohol
What appears to be a productivity shortcut, however, may be quietly undermining long-term health.
The Cardiologist’s Warning
According to Dr Abubakar Sani, excessive intake of energy drinks significantly raises the risk of:
- Heart disease and hypertension
- Diabetes and metabolic disorders
- Stroke and life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances
“These drinks can disrupt the heart’s electrical rhythm and activities and make blood vessels stiff, which increases the chances of dangerous irregularities in heartbeat,”
— Dr Abubakar Sani, Consultant Cardiologist, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.
He explains that energy drinks are typically packed with high caffeine levels, excessive sugar and stimulant extracts, all of which place strain on multiple organs—particularly the heart, brain, kidneys and liver.
A Growing Public Health Concern
Cardiovascular diseases are already among the leading causes of death in developing countries, including Nigeria. Dr Sani warns that the surge in energy-drink consumption among youths is accelerating this trend—often in combination with:
- Poor diet
- Chronic sleep deprivation
- Physical inactivity
- Alcohol misuse
“With cardiovascular diseases becoming a major contributor to premature deaths, it is imperative for young people to stay away from these drinks,”
— Dr Abubakar Sani.
For individuals with underlying heart conditions, the danger is even more acute.
“The combination of high caffeine levels and added stimulants can strain the heart far more than most people realise. In severe cases, it can trigger cardiac arrest or sudden death without prompt medical intervention,”
— Dr Abubakar Sani.
Debunking Popular Myths
The belief that energy drinks enhance intelligence or mental sharpness is, according to experts, deeply flawed. Rather than improving cognition, excessive intake has been linked to:
- Anxiety and heightened stress
- Depression and mood instability
- Sleep disorders and chronic fatigue
Over time, these effects may compound, eroding both mental and physical resilience.
A Healthier Alternative Path
Dr Sani advises Nigerians—especially young adults—to rethink daily consumption habits and adopt heart-friendly lifestyles built around:
- Balanced diets rich in natural foods
- Regular physical activity
- Reduced intake of sugary, alcoholic and processed beverages
- Moderation in caffeine consumption
- Adequate rest and sleep
“For the sake of your heart health, stay away from energy drinks. They may seem harmless now, but their complications will surely come,”
— Dr Abubakar Sani.
BRANDECONOMY Insight
The energy-drink boom mirrors a broader pattern in Nigeria’s consumer economy: rapid adoption of lifestyle products without sufficient health literacy. As brands expand aggressively and youth consumption deepens, the absence of strong public awareness campaigns risks turning a commercial success into a national health liability.
For policymakers, educators and health institutions, the message is clear—prevention, education and regulation must move as fast as consumption trends.
