Many people use 5-hour ENERGY drinks to get that extra jolt without the crash effect a few hours later. Ingredients in 5-hour ENERGY include vitamins B-6, B-12, niacin, folic acid and citicoline, tyrosine, phenylalanine, taurine, maltic acid, glucuronolactone and caffeine. Of these ingredients, caffeine, taurine and vitamin B-6 may affect the heart..
Caffeine
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system alleviating fatigue, increasing wakefulness and improving concentration and focus. MayoClinic.com states that 200 to 300 mg per day, or about the amount of 2 to 4 cups of coffee, is considered safe; more than 500 to 600 mg/day defines excess use. Excess caffeine consumption can lead to fast heart beat, abnormal heart rhythms, increased blood pressure and muscle tremors among other unpleasant side effects. According to 5hourenergy.com, the amount of caffeine in Original 5-hour ENERGY is comparable to 1 cup of premium coffee and 12 oz. in the Extra Strength 5-hour ENERGY blend. Decaf 5-hour ENERGY contains the amount of caffeine equivalent to 1/2 cup of coffee.
Taurine
Taurine is an abundant amino acid found in the central nervous system, skeletal muscle and heart, but most heavily concentrated in heart tissue and the brain. Taurine is believed to help regulate heart beats and muscle contractions, water balance, energy levels and levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. According to researchers at Weil Cornell Medical College, taurine has a sedative effect on the brain. Mixing a sedative with a stimulant such as caffeine can cause abnormal heart rhythms and heart problems.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 serves as a coenzyme in many important reactions involving the blood, central nervous system and skin metabolism. It also is necessary for fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Excess consumption of B-6, more than 200 mg per day or five bottles, can lead to impaired functioning of the nerves and muscles.
Considerations
Other side effects of caffeine include insomnia, restlessness, irritability, nervousness and upset stomach. Little is known about the long-term or heavy use of taurine. The ingredients in 5-hour ENERGY may have negative interactions with other medications. Due to possible side effects, consult your health care provider on whether 5-hour ENERGY is a healthy option for you.
References
- 5hourenergy.com; Ingredients and Safety
- MedlinePlus; National Institutes of Health; Caffeine
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?; March 2011
- Vanderbilt University; Psychology Department; "Taurine + Energy Drinks: Meant to Be or Doomed?"; Sonal Patel; September 2006
- Cornell University; "Scientists close in on taurine's activity in the brain"; February 2008
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