The 5-hour Energy Drinks are marketed as the solution for hard-working people who feel they lack the energy to do all that is required of them throughout the day, at work and at home. Whether you are a parent, child, teacher, student, co-worker or boss, the pace of your daily life may feel exhausting. Before you turn to energy drinks as the solution, learn about the effects 5-hour Energy Drinks have on your body.
Varieties
The 5-hour Energy Drinks come in original, decaf and extra strength. The original drink is non-carbonated, and was put on the market in 2004. It contains B vitamins, amino acids and caffeine. The original formula has no sugar and only 4 calories. The original 5-hour Energy Drink comes in grape, pomegranate, berry, orange and lemon-lime. The decaf version, which is a citrus flavor, has the same ingredients minus the caffeine. It also contains the neurotransmitter, choline, which is associated with enhanced memory and mood. Extra strength 5-hour Energy Drink has more than twice the caffeine as the original and comes in berry flavor.
Advertised Benefits
The 5-hour Energy Drinks are advertised as energy enhancers that help you to remain alert throughout the day. It is supposed to relieve tiredness and promote a sense of awakeness. Since there is no sugar in these drinks, there is purportedly no crash effect. Unlike soda and coffee, 5-hour Energy Drinks advertised as having long-lasting effects that wear off gradually over time.
Uses
According to the 5-hour Energy website, the best times to use this drink are in the morning and after lunch. These drinks are geared for those who are not "morning people" and have difficulty mustering the strength to start their day. These drinks are also thought to alleviate the afternoon lull that you may have after lunch. 5-Hour Energy Drinks are promoted as motivators of activity and can be used to maintain stamina during workouts, sports or vacations.
Warning
Niacin, or vitamin B-3, is one of the B vitamins contained in 5-hour Energy Drinks. Niacin converts fats, proteins and carbohydrates into energy. According to the 5-hour Energy website, people with a sensitivity to niacin may experience reddening of the skin or a sensation heat. These reactions are called "niacin flush" and usually dissipate after a few minutes. Drinking half of the bottle may prevent this from happening. Niacin flush is not a concern for the decaf variety because it does not contain niacin.
Caution
The exact amount of caffeine in 5-hour Energy Drinks is not indicated on the bottle or the website. The company only indicates that the original variety contains as much caffeine as one cup of premium coffee and the extra strength variety contains as much caffeine as a 12-oz. cup of premium coffee. In an attempt to ascertain the exact amount of caffeine in 5-hour Energy, Consumer Reports contacted a spokesperson of the company. Unfortunately, the spokesman refused to disclose this information, according to Consumer Reports. Since the caffeine content is not clearly stated, special caution should be taken when using this drink.
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