Monster Energy is a brand of energy drinks founded in 2002 and has international distribution. It is generally marketed toward a younger demographic, particularly sports and rock music enthusiasts. Monster Energy drinks come in several sizes, ranging from 8 oz up to 32 oz. Monster Energy drinks contain several ingredients that may help to improve nutrition and boost performance. Some of the ingredients in Monster Energy drinks are part of your daily recommended intake, while other ingredients are not necessary nutrients, yet may play a positive role in certain body systems.
Several B Vitamins
Monster Energy drinks are a good source of several B vitamins. According to the Monster Energy website, 8 oz. of Monster Energy contains 100 percent of vitamin B-2, B-3, B-6 and B-12 with 1.7 mg, 20 mg, 2 mg and 6 mcg, respectively. According to the American Cancer Society, vitamin B-2, also known as riboflavin, helps the body produce energy and affects the enzymes that plays a role in muscle, nerve and heart regulation. Vitamin B-3, also known as niacin, is important for energy production in cells and plays a significant role in skin health, the nervous system and the digestive tract. Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, helps the body break down proteins, regulates red blood cell health, improves nervous system health and parts of the immune system. Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is important for the body's growth and development. Vitamin B-12 also plays a role in the nervous system, helps to produce blood cells and mediates the use of other essential nutrients, such as folic acid and carbohydrates.
Caffeine
Monster Energy drinks also contain the central nervous system stimulant caffeine. Monster Energy drinks contain 80 mg per serving, less than that found in drip coffee, which contains around 145 mg per 8 oz. Caffeine provides several health benefits. In the December 2008 issue of "Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism," researcher Louise Burke stated that caffeine plays a significant positive role in sports performance. Improvements are found in endurance sports, stop-and-go sports and high intensity sports. Caffeine, in part, plays a role in sports performance by increasing circulation, opening up the lungs and reducing pain sensitivity. Science Daily also reports that researchers at the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center found that caffeine can help to reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. Caffeine reduces a protein known as beta amyloid, which is significantly linked to higher rates of Alzheimer's symptoms.
Taurine and Other Ingredients
Monster Energy drinks also contain taurine and several other ingredients. According to Dr. Lam.com, taurine plays a positive role in several body functions. Taurine can help to prevent cardiovascular disease, plays an essential role in female reproductive health and helps to promote neurological health. Monster Energy refers to several of the other ingredients as "energy blend," which constitutes 2,500 mg per 8 oz. The other energy blend ingredients include L-Carntine, glucose, caffeine, guarana, inositol, glucuronolactone and maltodtrin.
References
- United States Department of Agriculture: SR23-Nutrients Per Food-Beverages
- American Cancer Society: B Vitamins
- "Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism"; Caffeine and Sports Performance; Louise Burke; December 2008
- Science Daily: Caffeine Reverses Memory Impairment in Mice With Alzheimer's Symptoms
- Dr. Lam: Taurine
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