Energy drinks are growing rapidly in popularity, particularly among young adults between the ages of 18 and 34, to whom they are most heavily marketed, according to a 2010 report in "Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety." Most drinks use some combination of certain herbs, nutrients and other ingredients to produce a stimulant effect.
Caffeine
Caffeine is well known as a central nervous system stimulant found in such common items as coffee and tea. Many energy drinks use this natural drug to give you a boost. Some drinks contain guarana seeds because this plant material naturally contains a high caffeine concentration. Yerba mate is another common caffeine-rich plant material found in energy drinks
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid found naturally in the body and in dietary sources like fish and meat, and many energy drink makers include a synthetic version in their products. This substance is known for increasing endurance and preventing lactic acid buildup in the muscles. There is some evidence that it improves your mental abilities when taken with caffeine, but Mayo Clinic dietitian Katherine Zeratsky warns that this has not been proven by studies.
Ginseng
The herb ginseng has many medicinal uses, such as raising immunity, lowering stress levels and reducing inflammation. Some studies show that it improves concentration and reduces mental fatigue, according to the report in "Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety," which makes it a common energy drink ingredient.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are important for cellular health, and most people get enough of these nutrients through their regular diets. Many energy drink manufacturers pack their products with large B vitamin doses because theses vitamins are believed to improve your mood and make you more mentally alert and focused. These energy-related benefits are not backed up by research, but the large doses are not harmful and there is anecdotal evidence that they have some positive fatigue-fighting effects.
Sugar
Some energy drinks contain sugar, which gives you a temporary energy boost. Products with a high sugar content cause you to gain weight if you use them too often, Zeratsky warns.
Warning
Energy drink ingredients are generally considered safe, but Texas physician Dr. Bruce Leibert warns that products with excessive amounts of caffeine from multiple sources can cause agitation, tremors, seizures and heart arrhythmia. Young consumers are affected more strongly by the ingredients because they usually have less body mass than older adults. Never mix energy drinks with alcohol because this combination raises the risk of negative effects.
References
- "Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety"; Energy Drinks, An Assessment of Their Market Size, Consumer Demographics, Ingredient Profile, Functionality, and Regulations in the United States; April 2010
- KRGV; Doctor Warns Against Mixing Energy Drinks With Drugs, Alcohol; Camaron Abundes; July 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Can Energy Drinks Really Boost a Person's Energy?; Katherine Zeratsky; March 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Taurine in Energy Drinks, What is It?; Katherine Zeratsky; June 2010
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