The introduction of Red Bull in the American market in 1997 paved the way for the hundreds of energy drinks available today. Energy drinks are marketed to consumers as a way to increase energy, feel better and get more done during the day. An occasional energy drink is unlikely to harm your health, but regular consumption can lead to problems. Most energy drinks contain a significant amount of caffeine, which can cause trouble sleeping, nervousness, irritability, upset stomach, fast heartbeat and tremors. Learning how to determine the caffeine content of your favorite energy drinks can help you keep your intake between 200 and 300 mg per day, which is considered your daily upper limit.
Step 1
Examine the labels on your favorite energy drinks. Look to see if the label lists the amount of caffeine added. Some brands include this information in an easy to find location, but others do not.
Step 2
Read the ingredient information. If caffeine is an added ingredient in your energy drink, but you cannot find that information on the label, this list will tell you if caffeine has been added.
Step 3
Look at the back of the package. Keep your eye out for tiny letters that tell you the exact amount of caffeine in the energy drink. Some brands list this information under the ingredient or nutrition label in very small wording.
Step 4
Keep in mind that if the caffeine content is listed on the label, it is usually the number per serving. Look that the nutrition label on your drink to determine how many servings it contains to get an accurate idea of how much caffeine you will be consuming.
Tips and Warnings
- If you determine that your favorite energy drink contains too much hidden caffeine, cut back slowly to help prevent withdrawal symptoms like headache, fatigue and poor mood. Opt for alternate beverages that contain less caffeine, such as coffee or tea. Find other ways to boost your energy, such as exercise, so you are not exposing yourself to large amounts of hidden caffeine. Enlist a friend to reduce caffeine intake with you to offer support and guidance to one another.
- Energy drinks are not required to list their caffeine content on their labels. Pass on any that do not tell you how much caffeine they contain to help reduce the negative effects of hidden caffeine. Too much caffeine can cause long-term health problems like osteoporosis and heart problems. Caffeine may interact with certain medications. Check with your doctor before consuming caffeine.
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