Energy Drinks and Suicide Risk Coffee Shows Protective Effect

A large meta-analysis reveals coffee may lower suicide risk, while energy drink consumption may significantly raise it

A meta-analysis of over 1.5 million people suggests that coffee and energy drinks have opposite effects on suicide risk. Coffee consumption of more than 60 cups per month was linked with reduced suicide attempts, while even a single can of an energy drink per month was associated with higher risk, with the danger increasing alongside greater intake.

Study Details

Researchers pooled data from multiple international studies examining caffeine consumption, psychiatric outcomes, and suicide risk. Unlike earlier work that grouped caffeinated beverages together, this analysis separated coffee from energy drinks, offering a clearer view of their distinct effects.

Methodology

The study evaluated self-reported coffee and energy drink use, psychiatric comorbidities, and incidence of suicidal thoughts or attempts. Coffee intake was quantified at a threshold of 60 cups per month, while energy drink consumption was measured in cans, each equivalent to roughly two cups of coffee but also containing other psychoactive ingredients such as taurine, guarana, and ginseng.

Key Findings

Coffee drinkers had a 30% lower rate of suicide attempts compared with energy drink consumers. While moderate caffeine intake from coffee may support mood and resilience, the combination of stimulants, sugar, and other additives in energy drinks was linked to anxiety, addictive behaviors, and a threefold increase in suicide risk at high levels of consumption. These effects were most pronounced in young men, who are the primary consumers of energy drinks.

Implications for Practice

For healthcare providers, asking about energy drink consumption may serve as a valuable screening tool when assessing patients with psychological concerns.

Energy drink use can signal broader issues such as substance use, risky lifestyle behaviors, eating disorders, or metabolic complications. While moderate coffee intake may offer a protective effect, heavy consumption of energy drinks should be considered a red flag during mental health consultations.

Patients may benefit from counseling to limit stimulant use, especially later in the day, and to be aware of possible interactions with psychiatric medications.