Energy Drinks Jillian Mazzarella

Energy Drinks Americans spent 4.2 billion dollars on energy drinks last year (“Drink UPI,” 2007)

Common Brand Names Red Bull Monster Rock Star SoBe No Fear

5 Most Common Ingredients Caffeine Glucose Guarana Ginseng Taurine

Caffeine Chemical compound that stimulates the central nervous system Most energy drinks contain mg per 15 oz can Equal to about 2 8oz cups coffee Can cause spike in blood pressure 2-3 cups of coffee can raise blood pressure by 14 points (Cooper, 2008)

Glucose Each can has about grams of sugar Won’t help with fatigue from too little sleep 2006 British study showed sleep deprived people who consumed liquid glucose had slower reaction time and were more sleepy after 90 minutes (“You Are,” 2006)

Guarana South American shrub, 1 seed has caffeine content of 4%-5% compared to 1%-2% of coffee Amount of Guarana per 16oz can ranges from 1.4mg-300mg Not fully understood (“You Are,” 2006)

Ginseng Ginseng root extract 8-400mg in 160z can Studies show that Ginseng may boost brain power if at least 200mg are consumed Will not enhance physical performance May interact with blood thinning drugs (“You Are,” 2006)

Taurine 1 of the most abundant amino acids in your brain 20-2,000mg per 16oz can Some research suggest Taurine may act more like a sedative than a stimulant Small amounts are safe, the effects of lager amounts unknown Little understanding of Taurine (“You Are,” 2006)

Risk Factors Spike in heart rate and blood pressure Cause palpitations, nausea, and vomiting Disturb body’s electrolyte balance Increase dehydration Prevent sleep Combined with exercise or alcohol these properties are exaggerated (“Energy Drinks,” 2007)

Risk Factors Reactions to mixing energy drinks with medications, alcohol, or other drugs unknown Little understanding of some ingredients Risks become higher when drinking multiple cans Drinking energy drinks with coffee and soda throughout the day leads to high levels of caffeine and sugar intake

References (2007, 10/20/08). Energy drinks can raise your blood pressure. Latitudes Online. Retrieved from Cooper, H. (2008). Energy Drinks. Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition, 303, Drink UPI. (2007). American Herb Association Quarterly, 22, 5-6. You are what you drink: New guidelines give beverage advice. (2006). Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, 24, 6-7.