Each 5-Hour Energy drinks contains a blend of ingredients designed to provide people with an increased amount of energy for up to 5 hours, including caffeine taurine, malic acid, glucurolactone, L-phenylalanine, citicoline, N-Acetyle and large amounts of B vitamins. Although some people do not experience any side effects from using this product, others may have adverse reactions to it. One potential side effect of 5-Hour Energy is stomach cramps.
Intended Use
5-Hour Energy drinks come in a 4-oz. bottle. The directions on the labels of all the 5-Hour Energy products state that you should not drink more than one bottle at a time. You also should not consume more than two bottles of this beverage in a 24-hour period. Exceeding this amount may increase the likelihood of side effects, including stomach cramps.
Caffeine
Gastrointestinal upset, including stomach cramps, may occur when a person consumes excessive amounts of caffeine. 5-Hour Energy does not publish the specific amount of caffeine in its products, but says the traditional product contains an amount of caffeine comparable to the amount found in a cup of coffee and the extra strength product contains an amount comparable to a 12-oz. serving of coffee. The average amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee is about 100 mg, so the amount found in a 12-oz serving would be about 150 mg. Although everyone's tolerance to caffeine is different, most people can consume about 200 mg of caffeine a day without experiencing any unpleasant side effects. However, some people have a lower tolerance for caffeine and may experience side effects even when they get only small amounts of caffeine. Getting more than 500 mg of caffeine a day increases your chances of having adverse reactions, including stomach cramps.
Considerations
It is possible that your stomach cramps are not caused by 5-Hour Energy. To determine the cause of your stomach cramps, eliminate 5-Hour Energy drinks from your diet and see if your symptoms go away. Reintroduce the beverages to your diet and see if your stomach cramps return. If you consistently experience stomach cramps after drinking a 5-Hour Energy drink, you may need to avoid the product. Call a doctor if your stomach cramps are severe, if you believe you have a food allergy or if you believe the cramps are being caused by a more serious medical condition.
Warning
In addition to gastrointestinal upset, large amounts of caffeine can also cause a number of other adverse side effects. Some of these side effects include insomnia, nervousness, irritability, muscle tremors and headaches. Although you may enjoy the energy these drinks provide, it may not be worth consuming if you frequently experience these unpleasant side effects.
References
- 5-Hour Energy Drink: Product Directions
- Center for Science in the Public Interest; Caffeine Content of Food & Drugs; September 2007
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine; Sleep and Caffeine; Donald R. Townsend, PhD, August 2006
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Caffeine and Your Body
- Ohio State University's Student Health Services; Is 5-Hour Energy Safe? Does it Work?; Adam Brandeberry et al; September 2009
