CRN challenges study linking caffeine to heart risks

WASHINGTON – The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) is challenging the conclusions of preliminary research linking caffeinated energy drinks and dietary supplements to cardiovascular events, arguing that the analysis's limitations prevent researchers from establishing causation or measuring consumer risk.

The research, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026, examined adverse event reports for products containing caffeine and other stimulants. The findings have not undergone peer review.

CRN said the study grouped together energy drinks, concentrated energy shots and dietary supplements with widely varying ingredients without adequately accounting for differences in formulations, serving sizes or consumption patterns.

The association also questioned the inclusion of ingredients such as ephedra, DMAA, and higenamine, which cannot legally be marketed in conventional foods or dietary supplements under applicable federal requirements.

According to CRN, the analysis did not identify which ingredients or combinations might be associated with reported cardiovascular events. It also lacked information on consumption frequency, dosage, and whether consumers followed product directions.

“Importantly, the reported 11-fold difference in cardiac arrest reporting does not mean consumers are 11 times more likely to experience cardiac arrest,” said Andrea Wong, Ph.D., CRN’s chief science officer.

Wong emphasized that adverse event reporting patterns cannot establish the incidence of cardiovascular events without information about how many people consumed the products.

CRN also disputed claims that young adults face greater cardiovascular risks, noting that differences in product use, underlying health conditions and other factors could influence the findings. The organization said the analysis failed to adequately address potential contributing factors, including alcohol consumption, medication use and caffeine intake from other sources.

The association maintained that moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe for most healthy adults and pointed to voluntary industry guidelines established more than a decade ago that address labeling, safety advisories and responsible consumption.

CRN urged consumers to follow product directions, monitor their total caffeine intake, and consult healthcare professionals regarding potential cardiovascular concerns.

The organization said it supports ongoing research and safety monitoring but cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions from preliminary findings that have not undergone peer review.