Energy drinks work mainly through caffeine, which blocks adenosine and makes you alert, often with sugar for a quick boost followed by a crash.
Ingredients
- Caffeine: 80 to 300 mg per can.
- Sugar or sweeteners.
- B vitamins, taurine and guarana.
How
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, which reduces drowsiness and raises alertness.
Limit
The FDA says up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is safe for most adults.
Risks
Heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and high blood pressure.
Who should avoid
Kids, pregnant women and those with heart conditions.
Ingredients and dosage
A typical 16-ounce energy drink contains 150 to 300 mg of caffeine, with sugar levels up to 54 g, or sugar-free versions. Common additives include taurine, B vitamins, guarana (which has more caffeine), ginseng and L-carnitine. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, reducing fatigue and increasing alertness.
- The FDA states that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally not linked to negative effects for healthy adults. That equals about 4 to 5 cups of coffee.
- Peak blood caffeine occurs about 30 to 60 minutes after drinking, and its half-life is about 5 hours.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against energy drinks for children and teens.
Risks and who should avoid
Excess intake can cause insomnia, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, raised blood pressure and, in rare cases, arrhythmias or seizures. Mixing with alcohol masks drunkenness. Pregnant women, people with heart conditions, anxiety disorders or caffeine sensitivity, and those on stimulant drugs should avoid them. Poison control centers report thousands of energy drink cases each year.
Ingredients and dosage
Energy drinks contain caffeine, often 80 to 300 mg per can, plus taurine, B vitamins and sugar. The FDA says up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is generally safe for healthy adults. Some drinks have 200 mg or more per serving.
Risks and who should avoid
Excess caffeine can cause palpitations, anxiety and sleep problems. Children, pregnant women and people with heart conditions should avoid them. Mixing with alcohol is risky.
How caffeine acts
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, reducing sleepiness, and peaks in blood 30 to 60 minutes after drinking. Its half life is 5 to 6 hours. Typical cans contain 80 mg (8 oz Red Bull) to 300 mg (16 oz Bang). Taurine and B vitamins have little proven effect.
Safety guidance
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children avoid energy drinks. Cases of cardiac arrhythmia and seizures have been reported after excessive consumption. The FDA lists 400 mg of caffeine a day as safe for most healthy adults, and 200 mg for pregnancy per ACOG. Sugar content of 27 g per 8 ounce serving adds up.
Based on data from the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics
