The effects of energy beverages on cultured cells

► Rat embryonic fibroblasts showed dose dependent delays in wound healing when treated with energy beverages. ► Similar delays in wound healing were observed in MDCK cells, upon exposure to energy beverages. ► Energy beverage treatment led to significantly slower wound closure compared to caffeine, taurine and glucose. ► Delayed wound closure in REF and MDCK cells might be a result of slower proliferation and cytoskeletal defects. ► Cultured chick forebrain neurons treated with energy beverages showed a dose dependent inhibition of neurite outgrowth.