Energy drinks have become popular beverages. A May 12, 2010 report by Randy Beamer from WOIA in San Antonio says that annual sales of energy drinks will approach $10 billion in 2010. Monster, a beverage company owned by Hansen Natural, offers a broad array of "energy" products. Some ingredients in Monster's energy drinks provide benefits. However, energy drinks can cause side effects, especially when combined with alcoholic beverages.
Caffeine
Caffeine plays an important role in modern society. Many people, for example, can not wake up without their morning cup of caffeinated coffee. Energy drinks can replace coffee as a stimulant. Monster's energy drinks have about 160 mg of caffeine in each product; this amount can increase performance and alertness. The 160 mg of caffeine is comparable to the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee.
A paper by E. J. Stevenson and co-workers that was presented in the August 2009 edition of "Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism" describes an experiment testing the effects of a caffeinated beverage on athletic performance. The scientists recruited college students with different levels of golfing experience for a simulated game. During the course, the subjects received about 150 mg of caffeine. The results of this study indicated that, relative to placebo, experienced golfers putted better on a simulated course after they ingested caffeine. They also felt more alert while playing the game. These subjects did not report any significant side effects.
Taurine
The acid taurine is essential for muscle function; mice with a taurine deficiency show a dramatically reduced capacity for exercise. This substance also cleanses the body of toxins. Monster adds taurine to its products to enhance the effects of caffeine, as the two substances are synergistic.
A report by R. Seidl and associates that was published in the May 2000 issue of "Amino Acids" evaluated the psychological impact of an experimental drink. Subjects received caffeine and taurine mixed into an elixir. Relative to a control drink, this combination enhanced feelings of well being and was well tolerated. The researchers believe that caffeine caused the mood effects by acting directly upon receptors in the brain. They further speculate that taurine modulated the changes by making the receptors more susceptible to caffeine's effects.
Guarana
Seeds from the Paullinia cupana plant, also known as guarana, have traditionally been used to relieve headaches and prevent disease. Guarana contains many active substances, including caffeine. Monster puts this ingredient into their energy drinks, as it increases work rate. Like taurine, guarana also blocks the negative effects of toxic substances.
A study by D. O. Kennedy and colleagues in England tested the effect of guarana on cognitive performance. College students received either the supplement or a placebo in random order. The data, presented in the November 2004 edition of "Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior," showed that guarana increased scores in attention tasks relative to the placebo. For example, the subjects that took guarana completed vigilance tasks more rapidly. Taking guarana caused no negative reactions.
References
- WOAI: Hidden Dangers of Energy Drinks
- "Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism"; Effect of a Carbohydrate-Caffeine Sports Drink on Simulated Golf Performance; E. J. Stevenson et al.; August 2009
- "Amino Acids"; Taurine and Caffeine-Containing Drink Stimulates Cognitive Performance and Well-Being; R. Seidl et al.; May 2000
- "Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior"; Improved Cognitive Performance in Human Volunteers Following Administration of Guarana (Paullinia Cupana) Extract: Comparison and Interaction with Panax Ginseng; D. O. Kennedy et al.; November 2004
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