Energy drinks can be convenient, low-calorie solutions for fighting fatigue on the go, but it can be difficult to choose one out of the plethora of available products. In addition, many energy drinks have similar nutritional profiles, so you should research ingredients carefully to choose which one is right for you. Research from the January 2009 issue of "Drug and Alcohol Dependence" warns that caffeine intoxication and dependence may occur from energy drink use, so consult a doctor if you drink them regularly.
Spark Energy Drink Information
Spark energy drink is produced by AdvoCare and comes in 8-oz. servings. Spark provides 45 calories per serving, with 11 g of carbohydrates, 120 mg of caffeine and several vitamins and minerals. Spark offers three times the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and 7.5 times the daily recommended intake of vitamins B-6 and B-12. The drink provides no fat or protein.
Red Bull Sugar-Free
Red Bull sugar-free is an energy drink that is lower in calories than Spark, as each 12-oz. can contains just 15 calories. Red Bull drinks contain 9.5 mg of caffeine per oz., so a 12-oz. can provides 114 mg of caffeine, slightly less than Spark. Red Bull also contains amino acids such as taurine, and 2001 research from the journal "Amino Acids" found that Red Bull could improve endurance, reaction time and concentration.
VPX Meltdown
VPX Meltdown is an energy drink marketed toward athletes and bodybuilders. VPX Meltdown contains no calories and provides 115 mg of caffeine per 4-oz. serving, although the supplement is sold in 8-oz. bottles. In addition to caffeine, Meltdown offers stimulants such as yohimbine and also provides 25 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Research from the August 2009 issue of "Lipids in Health and Disease" found that Meltdown may also aid in weight loss, as it can significantly increase your metabolic rate.
Monster Absolutely Zero
Monster Absolutely Zero is a low-calorie energy drink that provides 0 calories per 8-oz. serving. Monster provides about 135 mg of caffeine per serving, and the product comes in 16-oz. cans. This product contains no sugar and contains the amino acids carnitine and taurine. Monster produces several other varieties, including products infused with juice or coffee.
References
- "Drug and Alcohol Dependence"; Caffeinated Energy Drinks - A Growing Problem; C.J. Reissig, et al.; Jan. 2009
- AdvoCare: Spark Energy Drink
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Calories in Red Bull Sugarfree Red Bull 12oz
- Energy Fiend: Caffeine Content of Drinks
- "Amino Acids"; The Effects of Red Bull Energy Drink on Human Performance and Mood; C. Alford, et al.; 2001
- "Lipids in Health and Disease"; Effect of the Dietary Supplement Meltdown on Catecholamine Secretion, Markers of Lipolysis, and Metabolic Rate in Men and Women; R.J. Bloomer, et al.; Aug. 2009
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