This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.
Our teamof licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
So, you reach for an energy drink to get you through the next couple of hours.
Shutterstock
TheFood and Drug Administration (FDA)doesn’t regulate energy drinks, which are essentially liquid dietary supplements.
Caffeine
The primary active ingredient in energy beverages is, not surprisingly, caffeine.
For comparison, an 8-ounce coffee contains around 100 milligrams.
Shutterstock
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that serves as a stimulant to enhance physical and mental performance.
Even though our bodies may produce it naturally, taurine comes from food, particularly meat and seafood.
The typical American diet provides between 123 and 178 milligrams of taurine daily.
Shutterstock
Combined with the caffeine in energy drinks, taurine may boost blood pressure and heart rate.
Sugar
Don’t think of energy drinks as acceptable fitness beverages.
Consider: A 16-ounce can ofMonster Energycontains 233 calories and 56 grams of sugar.
Shutterstock
That’s more sugar than you get in two small Dairy Queen ice cream cones.
“If you were to eat a gummy candy your body registers it, it calculates it.
TheAmerican Heart Associationsuggests that people limit their sugar intake to 25 to 36 grams per day.
OlegDoroshin/Shutterstock
However, some people may be particularly sensitive to this vitamin found in many energy drinks.
Guarana
Guarana is a fruit whose seeds are used as a caffeine additive in many energy drinks.
“They are in addition to caffeine, increasing the overall caffeine content.”
Shutterstock
So, what’s not to like?
For more warnings, check outThe Unhealthiest Supplements You Should Not Take.
Shutterstock
