Energy drinks are famed for their ability to enhance mental and physical performance and keep you from feeling fatigued. But is that accurate?
Powdered energy drinks have also become popular, especially among e-sport enthusiasts who consume energy drinks for faster reflexes and the ability to stay active for more extended periods.
But do energy drinks actually work, or is everything you hear about them just a large marketing campaign?
Energy drinks do actually work. The caffeine, vitamins, Taurine, and several other ingredients present in energy drinks allow them to give you a kick of energy.
Read on for more.
Contents
How Much Caffeine Do Energy Drinks Need?
Energy drinks come with varying amounts of caffeine present. Some contain a hefty 300mg per can, and others can include as low as 80mg.
These brands are tailored to fit the needs of different kinds of people.
If you’re having energy drinks more than once a day simply for an energy boost during a workday, I would recommend going for a brand that isn’t too strong.
Going for the more potent drinks would be more suited if you are carrying out strenuous physical activities. However, make sure you don’t exceed more than 400mg in a single day.
How Does Caffeine Work?
Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the nervous system, heart, and muscles.
It disables adenosine, the chemical responsible for making you feel tired and fatigued.
Find out more about how this process takes place in the video below.
Common Vitamins Present in Energy Drinks
Energy drinks also come with a number of B Vitamins. These also aid the process and help you feel energized.
The number of B Vitamins varies from brand to brand. However, the three common ones are given below.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 or Niacin is the most widely used Vitamin in energy drinks. Its properties include converting carbohydrates into glucose and producing energy.
Its deficiency can cause the following side effects:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Vommiting and Diarrhea
- Memory Loss
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine has similar effects as Niacin and helps the body produce energy by metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Other benefits also include improved mood and reduced feelings of depression.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 also goes by the name Cobalamin. Like all B Vitamins, B12 also functions by converting fats into glucose and producing energy.
Its primary role is the production of red blood cells within the body. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause Weakness and Fatigue.
Is Gatorade an energy drink?
The term “sports drink” accurately describes Gatorade. When you’re feeling hot and thirsty, go for a Gatorade, since it’s a fluid replacement drink.
Caffeine, plus nearly three times as much carbohydrate as Gatorade, plus things like ginseng, taurine, etc. are common ingredients in energy drinks. The vitamin content of Gatorade is lower than that of Red Bull Energy Drink across the board, but especially in the B vitamins.
Is it OK to drink energy drinks every day?
Although the components in energy drinks are designed to boost attention and concentration, they may have harmful consequences if drunk often. Therefore, it is prudent to consume moderately in order to prevent negative consequences.
In order to boost alertness, caffeine is the primary component in most energy drinks. Caffeine may induce heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate if eaten in excess of 400 mg in a day.
How many energy drinks a day are safe?
Energy drinks are laden with synthetic caffeine, sugar, and other unneeded additives that may do more damage than good, so doctors recommend that healthy individuals consume no more than one can per day.
If you go over the limit, you risk consuming an unhealthy amount of sugar, which may be dangerous. Even one can is dangerously excessive for kids and younger people.
Other Ingredients Which Make Energy Drinks Work
Vitamins and Caffeine aren’t the only ingredients that make energy drinks make you less fatigued, the following ingredients also aid the process.
Taurine
Taurine is an ingredient you will notice most energy drinks contain when going through their lists of ingredients.
This inclusion is not in vain, Taurine has been proven to enhance performance and increase endurance.
Its effects, when combined with caffeine, are also more significant and have a more pronounced effect when consumed.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid isn’t added in energy drinks as commonly as TaurinE is, but some manufacturers take advantage of its energy-boosting abilities.
A study has shown Citric Acid to convert carbon dioxide and water into energy.
L-Carnitine
Most commonly used as a supplement by athletes, L-Carnitine is on par with caffeine when it comes to boosting energy.
It is a chemical naturally produced within the body, however, in large quantities and consumed so the ingredient provides a more noticeable effect.
It works by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria where they are burned to produce energy.
Energy Drinks You Should Try
Here are some of my recommendations you should try if you’re looking to get into energy drinks.
Other Notable Mentions:
Conclusion
The range of ingredients present in energy drinks is added to make them work.
Caffeine is the primary energizer you should keep an eye on for the amount it is added in. Depending on your lifestyle, you can either choose a drink with high amounts or low amounts.
Other ingredients such as B Vitamins, Taurine, and L-Carnitine also play a vital role in boosting energy.
Staying safe and practicing moderation can allow you to completely take advantage of energy drinks’ benefits without facing side effects.