Is Amp Energy Drink Healthy?

Amp Energy drink is a highly caffeinated, carbonated beverage produced by Mountain Dew. This drink is purported to enhance your energy and alertness levels, and thus may be beneficial for supporting athletic activity. In addition to providing caffeine and carbohydrates, the drink contains vitamins and herbal ingredients purported to enhance performance. Despite the potential benefits, Amp Energy drink is not a healthy choice, particularly if you are trying to lose weight.

Calories

Amp Energy drink is high in calories, which makes it a poor choice for dieting; an 8 oz. serving provides 110 calories, 10 calories more than 8 oz. of full-calorie soda. High-calorie beverages may be more detrimental to weight management than high-calorie foods; the Harvard Medical School notes that the consistency of drinks makes them less filling, so you're less likely to compensate for the high calorie level by cutting back later on.

Carbohydrates

All of the carbohydrates in Amp Energy drink come from carbohydrates, which are your body's primary source of energy. However, 29 g of the carbohydrates come from sugar, in the form of high fructose corn syrup, which is an added sugar, as opposed to a natural sugar, such as those in fruit. Consuming too much added sugar may increase your cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of heart disease.

Protein

Amp Energy drink does not provide any protein. Protein is a nutrient that helps to build your bodily tissues, and it may also enhance athletic performance. Research from the December 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" suggests that consuming protein in conjunction with exercise can enhance your recovery significantly.

Fat

Amp Energy drink does not contain any fat. Dietary fat is high in calories, but it is healthy to consume, especially if you are active; in addition to helping your body absorb nutrients, dietary fat provides energy for endurance activities.

Vitamin Content

Amp Energy drink contains five forms of B vitamins: vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, niacin and pantothenic acid. Although B vitamins are not stimulants, they do help your body turn food into energy. Amp contains 20 percent of the RDA for riboflavin and 10 percent of the other four forms of vitamin B.

Caffeine Content

Each can of Amp Energy drink provides 74 mg of caffeine, which is slightly less than some other energy drinks, but nearly double the amount in many sodas. If you regularly consume caffeinated beverages, this amount is unlikely to be harmful, but consult a doctor before use.

References

• Beverages Direct: AMP Energy Drink - 24 Pack
• LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Calories in Amp Energy Drink (Mountain Dew)
• LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Calories in Pepsi (Pepsi)
• Harvard Medical School; Sugar and Obesity: High Calorie Drinks to Blame?; October 2006
• "Los Angeles Times"; Diets High in Added Sugar Raise Heart Disease Risk; Karen Kaplan; April 2010
• "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism"; Nutritional Strategies to Promote Postexercise Recovery; M. Beelen et al.; December 2010