Fortifying Energy Drinks with Calcium May Reduce Damage to Teeth
Energy drinks may perk you up, but high consumption could be damaging your teeth
Shutterstock/francesco de marc
Recent studies have shown that energy drinks, known for their ability to boost energy levels, can also have a damaging effect on teeth due to their low pH levels. The acidic nature of these beverages can lead to the erosion of dental enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth.
To address this issue, Erik Jácome and his team at the State University of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil conducted experiments where they added calcium and other minerals to traditional Red Bull energy drinks to assess the impact on pH levels.
Their findings revealed that a combination of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium was the most effective in raising the pH of the energy drink from 3.96 to 5.27, potentially reducing its harmful effects on teeth. Interestingly, despite some versions having a lower pH, the calcium-fortified drinks showed less impact on the roughness of enamel samples, indicating a protective effect.
Furthermore, formulations containing calcium-phosphorus-potassium and dicalcium malate were found to preserve enamel hardness, with the former showing the highest level of protection due to its dual action of supplying calcium and reducing acidity.
Future research will focus on determining the optimal form and concentration of calcium to minimize enamel erosion while also investigating the potential impact on taste and consumer preference.
In the meantime, experts recommend avoiding acidic foods and drinks between meals to reduce the risk of enamel erosion. Consuming such beverages with meals can help mitigate the effects by increasing saliva production, which aids in neutralizing acids.
The British Soft Drinks Association emphasizes that all soft drinks can be safely consumed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, alongside good dental hygiene practices. However, it is important to exercise caution and moderation when consuming acidic beverages.
While these findings provide valuable insights into mitigating the effects of energy drinks on dental health, further research is needed to fully understand the implications and potential solutions for preserving enamel integrity.
