Monster Energy is an energy drink made by Hansen Natural Corporation. The company markets several versions of this drink, and all of them contain taurine, an amino acid. Companies that market energy drinks claim taurine improves mental performance and gives you energy. However, medical research doesn't support these claims.
Taurine
According to the book "Integrative Medicine" by David Rakel, taurine protects the outer segments of rods, one of the major proteins that enable humans to see. Taurine is also used by the body for cardiovascular function and to help with nerve signals such as pain. Taurine also helps support liver and bile function and is one of the main amino acids that binds and neutralizes toxins. An amino acid is a basic component of protein. Your body normally synthesizes taurine, and according to the Mayo Clinic, you can take up to 3,000 mg of it per day safely.
Other Ingredients
According to the nutritional content label on Monster Energy drinks, a regular can of this energy drink contains 16 oz. or two 8-oz. servings. One serving of this energy drink contains 100 calories, 27 g of sugar, 1.7 mg of vitamin B2, 20 mg of vitamin B3, 2 mg of vitamin B6, 6 mcg of vitamin B12, 180 mg of sodium, 1000 mg of taurine and 200 mg of panax ginseng.
Each serving also contains 2,500 mg of a proprietary energy blend, which includes L-carnitine, glucose, caffeine, guarana, inositol, glucuronolactone and maltodextrin. Every serving of Monster Energy drink provides 100 percent of your daily recommended level of B. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't established a daily guideline for taurine.
Considerations
Taurine originally got its name after scientists found the amino acid in bulls. Energy drinks, including Monster Energy, market taurine as a substance that enhances the entry of glucose into muscles--which improves endurance because the body uses the glucose in times of stress.
However, research conducted at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York found that taurine along with caffeine, may actually cause a "crash" effect after consumption. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2009 that exposure to taurine at the levels found in energy drinks, including Monster Energy, appears to be safe.
Safety
Besides taurine, energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine. Caffeine alone can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic cautions that scientific studies haven't proven that taurine in combination with caffeine improves mental performance. Based on scientific evidence, the taurine found in Monster Energy drinks is most likely not hazardous to your health. However, the purported benefits of the taurine haven't been confirmed through clinical evidence.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Taurine in Energy Drinks: What is it?; Katherine Zeratsky; June 2010
- Medical News Today: Scientists Close in On Taurine's Activity in the Brain; Jan. 2008
- Monster Energy: Monster Energy Drink
- European Food Safety Administration: EFSA Adopts Opinion on Two Ingredients Commonly Found Used in Some Energy Drinks; February 2009
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel; 2002
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