The Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy Drink is the brainchild of the company Optimum Nutrition. The beverage is known to provide high-quality supplements.
The supplements and drinks marketed by Optimum Nutrition are also popular for being able to give better endurance and focus throughout daily activities.
Amino Energy Drink has a moderate amount of caffeine, zero sugar, and low calories. Considering these qualities, is the drink suitable for everyday consumption? This is what we’re going to help answer today.
For an overview of the answer: You can drink Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink every day. However, if it isn’t necessary, you should consider drinking it every other day only.
In the following sections, you can expect a detailed overview of the ingredients and effectiveness of Amino Energy.
Contents
What Are The Ingredients Of The Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink?
The ingredients in the Amino Energy Drink may vary from flavor to flavor.
Generally, though, the ingredients present in a 12 fl. oz. can of Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink include:
- Carbonated Water
- Amino Blend (L- Threonine, L- Leucine, L-Citruline, L-Theanine, Sustamine, L- Alanyl-L-Glutamine, Micronized Taurine, L-Lysine Hydrochloride)
- Natural and Artificial Flavour
- Caffeine
- Potassium Sorbate
- Potassium Benzoate
- Citric Acid
- Malic Acid
- Sodium Citrate
- Sucralose
- Potassium chloride
- Magnesium Phosphate
- Tartaric Acid (In Strawberry and Grape flavors only)
- Acesulfame Potassium (Only in Grape flavor)
While reviewing other brands, I find that Amino Energy lacks some essential nutrients compared to other drinks.
Nutritional Content Of The Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink
The following table contains the ‘Nutrition Facts’ in a serving size of 1 can (12 fl oz):
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* | |
| Calories | 5 | |
| Caffeine | 100mg | |
| Amino Acid | 5g | |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 100mg | 4% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 0g | 0% |
The % Daily Value in the nutritional breakdown refers to how much of a nutrient contributes to the drinker’s daily diet.
Is Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink High In Caffeine?
Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink contains 100mg of caffeine per 355ml serving.
The drink’s caffeine is obtained from natural sources, specifically green coffee and green tea extracts. Hence, it assures a healthier caffeine variety compared to other brands.
Moreover, considering that the energy drink only has 100mg caffeine, you can expect lower susceptibility to caffeine-related issues. This is just the right amount if you just want to get through a hectic day.
Other brands with a high dose of caffeine may trigger symptoms of caffeine sensitivity and caffeine allergy.
Some of the most experienced symptoms might include:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Jitters
- Restlessness
- Irregular heartbeat
In the case of caffeine allergy, the symptoms might differ. The common ones are:
- Itchy skin
- Swelling of lip or tongue
- Headache or Migraine
- Chest pain
- Extreme jitters
- Anaphylaxis (a potentially concerning health condition)
You don’t have to worry about the concerns above with Amino Energy. Of course, this is as long as you stick to a can or two in a day.
Note that because the drink’s caffeine content is just on the average level, this is;t recommended for people who need a total energy boost for extraneous activities.
Is Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink High In Sugar?
Amino Energy Drink is sugar-free.
Because of the drink’s sugar-free content, you won’t have to experience hours of sugar crash’s effects. It will also be safer for your weight and blood.
As an alternative, Amino Energy used sucralose and ace-K, two of the most common artificial sweeteners.
Sucralose is present in all the flavors. It’s a calorie-free sweetener that is used for the sole purpose of adding a sweet taste to a certain drink.
Ace-K is present only in the drink’s grape flavor.
Overall, Amino Energy’s sugar alternatives pose little to no health risks as they are only added in small amounts.
How Many Calories Are There In Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink?
There are 5 calories in a 12 fl. oz. can of Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink.
The drink’s calorie content came from the amino blends present in the drink.
Considering the maximum daily calorie content of adult females and males which are 2000 and 2500 respectively, the 5 calories from the drink surely won’t make an impact on your diet.
How Long Does The Effects Of Optimum Nutrition Essential Energy Drink Last?
On average, the effects of the Amino Energy Drink will stay in your system for about 5 to 6 hours. The caffeine, however, will stay for 10 to 12 hours.
This study states that after 5 to 6 hours, the caffeine content will diminish to half of its original content. This is the time when Amino Energy will start to lose its boosting effect.
As long as you feel hydrated and refreshed, Amino Energy will continue showing its boosting effects.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink?
Amino Energy’s content will provide benefits in terms of giving a subtle energy boost, and a healthy line of supplements.
Because the drink has zero sugar and a low-calorie count, it can help you in:
- Managing weight
- Preventing dental cavities
- Reducing the risk of diabetes
Moreover, you won’t be experiencing the symptoms of sugar-crash or reactive hypoglycemia like dizziness, shakiness, or anxiety, since Amino Energy doesn’t have sugar.
The 5 calories won’t put a dent in your diet, as well.
Given the amount of caffeine, it’s a great booster for regular consumption, which will be enough for meeting your daily needs.
How Many Cans Of Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink Can You Drink In A Day?
If you’re having Amino Energy Drinks on regular basis, limit the intake to one can in a day. If you plan on drinking every other day, you can take two can max if necessary.
Amino Energy Drink contains a modest amount of caffeine. It can give you a magical energy fix without any unpleasing jitteriness and headache.
However, caffeine is a stimulant, and just because the drink only has 100mg of it, doesn’t mean that you can drink multiple cans at once to get a better boost.
You’ll feel refreshed and hydrated if you take the caffeine in small doses. This means that one to two cans of Amino Energy will be enough for your caffeinated boost.
What Are The Short-Term Side Effects Of Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink?
The short-term side effects of the drink can include irregular heartbeat, frequent urination, sleeping problems, and temporary fatigue.
However, if you have consumed significantly larger amounts of caffeine (400 milligrams or more), the effects can get more concerning.
Some of them include:
- Histamine reaction
- Shakiness
- Restlessness
- Fast heartbeat
- Agitated
Most of the side effects are short-lived and will die down as soon as the caffeine is flushed out of your bloodstream. Since the side effects are a sign of caffeine overdose, don’t opt for a quantity that your body can’t adjust to.
What Are The Long-Term Side Effects Of Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink?
If you’re consuming Amino Energy Drink for a long period, your body will gradually build a tolerance to the caffeine content. Ultimately, this can lead to caffeine dependence.
This sense of dependence on the drink will come with some withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, headache, muscle pain, anxiety, and so on.
Caffeine can also affect your bones as it interferes with the calcium absorption process.
Other long term side-effects are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Insomnia
- Digestive Problems
- Migraine Headache
- High Blood Pressure
In the cases of pregnant women, more than 200 to 300mg of caffeine may lead to miscarriages or malnourished babies.
If you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle, none of these effects is likely to happen.
When Is The Best Time To Drink Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink?
To get the best effect of the energy drink, have it between mid to late mornings.
During this period, the natural cortisol boost is at its peak level. Hence, you’ll be getting the best caffeine jolt from Amino Energy Drink.
You can also have Amino Energy as a pre-workout drink to maintain alertness and stamina while working out.
Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink Flavors
Amino Energy Drink comes in 9 refreshing flavors. Currently, the list includes:
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Juicy Strawberry
- Grape
- Green Apple
- Juicy Cherry
- Peach Bellini
- Mango Pineapple Limeade
- Mixed Berry Sangria
- Watermelon
Most of these are fruit-flavored with a very light sweetness.
How Does The Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink Taste Like?
Most of the flavors of Amino Energy Drink are fruit-based, and thus, you can expect most of them to have a combination of sweet and citric tastes.
The Juicy Strawberry is one of the most popular ones. It’s got the unique strawberry tang with carbonated water.
The Blueberry Lemonade tastes like candy, and is like a normal lemonade sparkling drink.
The best part of Amino Energy Drink’s flavors is that none of them is too sweet. All of them have a refreshing vibe with pleasing aftertastes.
Where Can You Buy Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink?
The Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink is mainly produced by Optimum Nutrition, a US-based brand. You can directly purchase the drink in packs from their official website.
As it’s widely distributed, Amino Energy is also available in local shops and markets.
If you’re living outside of the US, you can purchase Amino Energy either from their official website or from other retailers like Amazon, Dolphin Fitness, Walmart, etc.
How Much Is Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink?
A can of Amino Energy Drink retails to about $2 each.
However, if you buy online, the price may vary. The drink can be up for around $24 to $32 for a set of 12 cans.
Does amino energy burn fat?
Amino Energy is a pre-workout supplement that consists BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) and other ingredients, like caffeine and beta-alanine, to help sustain energy, focus, and stamina during workouts.
It has 125mg of caffeine per can, approximately 1.25% of the recommended daily value.
Amino Energy has several flavors, including Blue Raspberry, Fruit Fusion, Watermelon, and Orange Cooler. The product’s taste is generally described as sweet, tart, and refreshing.
Can I drink amino acids without working out?
Amino acids are important because they are the building blocks of proteins. They do not necessarily need to be drunk only when or for working out. The body needs amino acids to make proteins essential for growth and development.
Not just that but, Amino acids also impact our metabolism, immunity, and other body functions. It can provide a range of health benefits, such as helping improve muscle recovery, immune system health, and overall energy levels, even if an individual does not engage in an exercise program or activity.
What happens if you take too much amino?
Excessive consumption of amino energy drinks can cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, jitteriness, headaches, anxiety, nausea, and dehydration. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious health problems, including kidney damage and seizures.
Meanwhile, in terms of the actual substance, taking too many amino acids can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. It can also cause a metabolic imbalance and increase ammonia levels in the blood, which can be toxic. Besides that, an excess of amino acids can raise blood pressure and interrupt the absorption of other nutrients.
Alternatives To Optimum Nutrition Essential Amino Energy Drink
Nowadays, there are many amazing alternatives available in the market. See the following:
Most of these are distributed all over the world, so no matter where you’re living, rest assured that you can buy them from your trusted retailers.
Final Answer: Can You Drink Optimum Essential Amino Energy Drink Every Day?
You can drink Amino Energy Drink every day. If you plan to do so, it’s best to limit your intake to one can.
Optimum Nutrition essential Energy Drink has a balanced nutritional content. It also comes with a moderate caffeine amount. Thus, drinking it every day won’t harm you.
The plant-based caffeine sources even added to the drink’s health qualities.
If you want to ensure a safer intake, consider drinking one to two can every other day instead of on a daily basis.
If you’re looking for a stronger boost, go for something with higher caffeine content. Amino Energy Drink will only suit the needs of those who want an all-day energy boost. People that engage in heavy activities won’t find this very helpful.