Many of the energy drinks on the market today are enhanced with vitamins, particularly those in the B vitamin family, which are intended to boost your energy. However, these energy drinks can come with a number of side effects that may outweigh the benefits you receive from the added vitamins.
Sugar
While most energy drinks offer a sugar-free version, the regular versions come loaded with sugar. For example, Red Bull, one of the leading brands, has over 37 g of sugar in one 12 oz. can. Sugar has several negative effects on your health, especially on your dental health. According to Health.gov, sugar is the fuel for the bacteria that create the plague that leads to tooth decay. In addition, sugar provides empty calories that contribute to weight gain.
Caffeine
Energy drinks also rely heavily on caffeine to give you that alert and active feeling -- even in many that contain vitamins as well. For example, in 12 oz. of Red Bull, you consume 111 mg of caffeine. In another similar drink, Rockstar, you get 97 mg of caffeine. Because caffeine is a stimulant, technically a drug, it can be addicting. Some of the negative side effects of excessive caffeine consumption include jitters, nervousness, high heart rate and sleeplessness. Furthermore, when the caffeine wears off, you may encounter a crash, leaving you sleepier than before.
Sodium
Vitamin-enhanced energy drinks also contain sodium, which can be dangerous since many people exceed the recommended amount of daily sodium consumption. According to the USDA, a single can of Red Bull contains 140 mg of sodium. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition, the higher your excess intake of salt and sodium, the more calcium you may lose from your bones.
Other Dangers
Energy drinks, even those enhanced with vitamins, often have other side effects. They are full of empty calories that contribute to weight problems. For example, one can of Red Bull has over 160 calories, none of which are healthy carbohydrates, and only traces of protein. In addition, the effects of certain ingredients in energy drinks have not been studied completely. For example, taurine, guarana and ginseng are examples of frequently added substances that the FDA has not studied fully.
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