When you need a boost, do you quell your caffeine cravings with coffee or reach for a supplement-rich energy drink? If you fall into the latter category, you may want to reconsider your caffeination habits.

One common ingredient found in many energy drinks is the amino acid taurine, which has been touted as offering an array of health benefits to the brain and immune system. It’s also believed to reduce the size of plaque deposits in the heart. Taurine occurs naturally in our bodies but it is often included as an additive in energy drinks and supplements, as it is believed to also aid in energy production.

But too much taurine may increase the risk of heart attack, according to a recent study. Researchers uncovered evidence that despite reducing plaque, taurine might destabilize plaque deposits. This would make the plaques more likely to rupture and lead to heart attack or stroke.

When mice with arterial heart plaques were treated with taurine, results showed that the plaques possessed less collagen and fewer smooth muscle cells than untreated plaques — two important factors in keeping the plaques stable. The reduction in collagen is due to taurine boosting production of enzymes that break down collagen in blood vessel walls.

Researchers suggested the study results don’t necessarily mean people should avoid all taurine, as it is important to several processes in the body.

But the findings should serve as a reminder that you can have too much of a good thing.

Just remember, the next time you’re in need of a caffeine fix, your energy needs might be best served by brewing a pot of coffee.