Few studies have been performed on energy drinks so far, but all incline towards the same conclusion: there is really nothing in them besides caffeine. So, is there any reason to drink them?
Americans are clearly fans of energy drinks – they spend on them more than on ice tea and sports drinks. As for Poles, in 2012 they drank more than 22 million of those drinks, spending nearly PLN83 million on them. The interest in energy drinks, however, is waning in Asia, including Japan, where they first appeared in the 1940s.
First and foremost: caffeine
What is the secret ingredient of those drinks which makes them an everyday ritual for some people? Producers claim that there is more to energy drinks than just caffeine. Commercials speak about improved reflexes, stamina and activity levels and the contents are claimed to be the results of extensive scientific studies.
That was precisely the reason why the Japanese introduced energy drinks during World War 2 – to make their seamen less prone to tiredness and more alert, while providing better focus and perceptiveness when out on a night watch.
However, independent specialists who studied energy drinks have concluded that caffeine is the only significant ingredient to be found in them. Granted, when you drink them you can “feel the kick" faster, but the sole reason for this is that they are usually a concentrate that you drink fast. If you do the same with a small cup of black coffee, the result will be similar, but cheaper.
Caffeine stimulates and aids focus. It improves physical performance - even in athletes. No wonder that it is the world’s most used substance. Dr. Roland Griffiths of the John Hopkins University told “New York Times" that, although the producers deny it, energy drinks are just another way to consume caffeine.
Taurine and vitamins
Energy drinks contain taurine, an organic amino acid. Some studies have shown that it might decrease the risk of heart attack among women with high cholesterol levels. However, many other dietary supplements can provide this ingredient to those in the risk group. Also, the best way to reduce blood cholesterol levels is to take appropriate medicine.
The European Commission has rejected the producers’ claims that taurine stimulates mental ability, has a positive effect on the heart and improves muscle regeneration after physical effort as ungrounded. Although in 2012 Scottish researchers claimed that dietary supplements containing 1,000 mg of taurine improve the performance of medium-distance runners, other observations did not corroborate this. Animal tests suggest that taurine does have some effect, but only in large doses, which would be risky for people.
Energy drinks also contain vitamins B12 and B6, but they have no energising influence. Our bodies do need these vitamins very much, but a balanced diet has ample amounts of them.
According to the European Food Safety Authority there is no scientific proof that energy drinks are in any way beneficial to health. What is pointed out, however, is the danger of mixing them with alcohol, as this makes them feel less intoxicated. This in turn often results in excessive alcohol consumption.
Energy drinks can also cause irregular heartbeat and increase systolic pressure. In extreme cases this might even lead to death.
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