Here's why scientists say you should never drink alcohol with energy drinks

Drinkers whose favourite tipple is vodka Red Bull or Jägerbombs are more likely to injure themselves, according to new research.

Doctors have long maintained that mixing alcohol and caffeine-based drinks is dangerous because it overworks the heart.

And now it appears there is further cause for concern.

Experts say that Red Bull and similar energy drinks can “mask” the feeling of tiredness that drink usually induces.

That leads to revellers staying out longer, drinking more alcohol — and, in turn, engaging in reckless and risky behaviour.

That’s when injuries happen through trips, fall and fights.

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A team of scientists at the University of Victoria, in Canada, reviewed 13 previous studies into the use of alcohol mixed with energy drinks, known as AmED.

Ten showed evidence of a link between AmED and an increased risk of injury compared to drinking alcohol only.

Study leader Audra Roemer compared the impact to Class A drugs and warned it “could be a serious public health concern”.

She said: “Cocaine is obviously a strong stimulant, and I was curious about lower level stimulants that are more socially acceptable.

“I wondered if they were having a similar impact but to a lesser degree.

“The research we’ve done so far points to an increased risk of injuries with the use of AmED that could be a serious public health concern.

“The stimulant effects of caffeine mask the result that most people get when they drink. Usually when you’re drinking alcohol, you get tired and you go home.

“Energy drinks mask that, so people may underestimate how intoxicated they are, end up staying out later, consume more alcohol, and engage in risky behaviour and more hazardous drinking practices.”