Energy drinks are best known as a fast way to perk up. Some drinks on the market have added vitamins, such as vitamin C, that are advertised as a natural way to increase your energy. However, vitamins alone do not directly correlate with your energy level. Drinking energy drinks once in a while will not harm you, but they should not be relied on as a nutritional beverage.
Benefits
Vitamin C is a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging cells in the body. Vitamin C is essential for wound repair, skin health, blood vessels and the development of bones and cartilage.
Effects
Energy drinks temporarily increase your energy, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is attributed to the caffeine content of the beverage. The vitamin C content of energy drinks may be helpful if your diet lacks the vitamin. However, Kids Health explains that vitamin C works more efficiently in the body when it is derived from natural sources, not energy drinks and supplements.
Use
Energy drinks are generally sought after for the caffeine content for a quick burst of energy. Companies advertise the drinks as having a health benefit, as some of the products are infused with added minerals and vitamins. Vitamin C is typically believed to help prevent and treat the common cold. In some cases, users might turn to vitamin C-infused energy drinks as a form of treatment. However, the American Cancer Society explains that high doses of vitamin C are not a proven form of treatment for colds or other diseases.
Overdose
According to the Mayo Clinic, the maximum daily value of vitamin C for the average adult is 2,000 mg. Exceeding this amount occasionally is not likely to cause body damage. However, taking too much vitamin C on a daily basis can lead to side effects such as kidney stones, heartburn, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches, as reported by the Mayo Clinic. This is likely to occur if you eat an adequate amount of vitamin C and regularly drink vitamin C-infused energy drinks at the same time. Taking a vitamin C supplement in conjunction with this type of diet also increases the risk of overdose.
Bottom Line
Your body flushes out excess vitamin C through urine. Vitamin C is best derived from food, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers and green leafy vegetables. The American Cancer Society points out that vitamin C deficiency is unlikely if you eat healthy. Many energy drinks provide vitamin C, but they are not necessary if you obtain the recommended daily value. Energy drinks may in fact damage your diet, due to the high sugar, caffeine and calorie content. Kids Health reports that some drinks are in excess of 100 calories per serving.
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