Taurine

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10, 2025 — Energy drinks might give you wings, unleash the beast or fuel your grind — but chugging too many might pose a serious stroke risk, doctors warn. An otherwise fit and healthy man in his 50s with a daily eight-can habit found out the hard way, according to a case study published Dec. 9 in the journal BMJ Case Reports . This patient suffered permanent damage from a minor stroke caused by extremely high blood pressure , doctors reported. His blood pressure returned to normal only after he quit energy drinks. “I obviously wasn’t aware of the dangers drinking energy drinks were causing to myself,” said the patient, who was treated at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in the U.K. “(I) have been left with numbness (in my) left-hand side hand and fingers, foot and toes even after eight years.” The man landed in the hospital after he experienced sudden left-side weakness, numbness and difficulties with balance, walking, swallowing and speech, according to the case report. His blood pressure was clocked at 254/150 mm/Hg upon admission. Healthy blood pressure is considered 120/80 or lower. Brain scans revealed he had suffered a stroke in his thalamus, the part of the brain involved in sensory perception and movement, doctors said. The patient was started on drugs to lower his blood pressure, and his systolic pressure fell to 170 mm/Hg. Systolic is the top number of a blood pressure reading, and is the pressure within blood vessels during a heartbeat. But once back home, the man’s blood pressure rose again even as doctors ramped up his blood pressure medications. After some questioning, the man revealed he drank an average of eight energy drinks a day. Each drink contained 160 mg of caffeine, adding up to a daily intake of 1,200 to 1,300 mg of caffeine, doctors said. The recommended maximum daily intake for caffeine is 400 mg. Doctors insisted he quit energy drinks. When he did, his blood pressure returned to normal and he was able to go off his prescribed meds. Few people see the potential harm in energy drinks, doctors wrote in their case report. “The year 2018 saw major U.K. supermarkets implement a voluntary ban on sales of energy drinks to under-16s in a drive to tackle obesity, diabetes and tooth decay, but less explored are the possible increased risks of energy drinks for cardiovascular disease, including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes,” wrote the team led by Dr. Martha Coyle of Nottingham University Hospitals. Energy drinks boast high caffeine levels, “but other ingredients contain ‘hidden caffeine,’ ” the case report says. “For example, guarana is thought to contain caffeine at twice the concentration of a coffee bean.” The interaction of caffeine and other ingredients — taurine, guarana, ginseng, glucuronolactone and sugar — can have a dramatic effect on blood pressure, increasing stroke risk, the team wrote. “In patients with unexplained hypertension, clinicians should inquire about consumption of energy drinks,” the doctors wrote. “Lifestyle counseling should include a discussion about cardiovascular risk factors of energy drinks.” The doctors did note that their report represents only one person, but argued that their concern is rooted in sound medicine. “While the current evidence is not conclusive, given the accumulating literature, the high morbidity and mortality associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease and the well-documented adverse health effects of high-sugar drinks, we propose that increased regulation of energy drink sales and advertising campaigns (which are often targeted at younger ages) could be beneficial to the future cerebrovascular and cardiovascular health of our society,” the doctors concluded. Sources BMJ, news release, Dec. 9, 2025 BMJ Case Reports, Dec. 9, 2025

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new study from Citrulabs, a leading clinical research organization, found that Droptics, the first-of-its-kind eye drop designed specifically for the digital generation, delivers measurable relief for individuals experiencing screen-related eye strain, dryness, and fatigue. Ocular issues stemming from increased reliance on digital screens have been proven to lead to discomfort, reduced focus, and diminished visual performance throughout the day. Designed for people who spend long hours on screens, Droptics is a refreshing eye drop formula developed to relieve dryness, soothe irritation, and enhance visual clarity. Demonstrating the benefits of eye care products requires more than anecdotal feedback, it demands credible research that captures both efficacy and user experience. Consumer perception studies, like those conducted by Citruslabs, bridge the gap between laboratory data and real-world results, providing brands and consumers with trustworthy insights. In a recent two-week consumer perception study conducted by Citruslabs, Droptics was evaluated for its effects on eye comfort, hydration, and visual performance among adults aged 18 to 55 who regularly experience screen-related eye strain. Results showed consistently positive perceptions after the first use, one week, and two weeks of product use: 94% of participants agreed that Droptics relieves dryness associated with screen use. 87% of participants agreed that Droptics reduced the gritty or “tired eyes” sensation. 92% of participants agreed that their eyes felt more refreshed after using Droptics. 87% of participants agreed that they would describe Droptics as a “wake-up” for tired eyes. 74% of participants agreed that the Droptics formula helped snap them out of midday screen fatigue. 82% of participants agreed that their eyes felt more responsive and engaged after using Droptics. “These results validate what so many of our users already tell us. Droptics helps give users that feeling of being ‘awake’ and focused again,” said Dr. Ben Ghiam, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Chief Medical Officer. “Millions of people spend the majority of their days staring at screens. It’s exciting now to see data which shows that small moments of care for your eyes can make a real difference in comfort and visual performance.” Droptics is formulated with Naphazoline Hydrochloride 0.03% and Propylene Glycol 1.0%, alongside ingredients such as Menthol, Camphor, Borneol, Caffeine, and Taurine. Together, these components create a cooling, hydrating, and energizing effect designed to help users refresh and refocus their eyes whenever they need a boost. The Citruslabs study underscores Droptics’ commitment to transparency, innovation, and science-backed performance, reinforcing its mission to help users see and feel their best, whether they’re working, gaming, or creating. For more information about Droptics, visit https://droptics.com/. About Droptics Droptics Eye Drops are designed to refresh and protect eyes from digital fatigue. Combining clinically tested ingredients with a cooling, energizing sensation, Droptics helps users relieve dryness, reduce redness, and improve focus, making it the ultimate companion for long screen sessions. Learn more at https://droptics.com/. About Citruslabs Citruslabs is a leading clinical research organization specializing in accessible, gold-standard trials for health and wellness brands. By streamlining participant recruitment, data collection, and rigorous analysis, Citruslabs delivers research that brands can trust to validate their product claims. Learn more at www.citruslabs.com.