Energy supplements, in the form of drink mixes, is a rapidly growing industry that is marketed to those who are looking for an energy boost. When someone drinks an energy supplement, they are ingesting a mixture of ingredients that can have a variety of results. The best list of energy drinks have been found to have some positive effects for those who consume them and can be beneficial for people with certain health conditions or lifestyles.
Here are ingredients in energy drink supplements that have been looked at and their effects:
Caffeine
Caffeine is the main ingredient in most energy drinks and has quick onset of action. Caffeine has been found to increase concentration, heart rate, and alertness and last up to 6 hours. Caffeine can increase anxiety, hypertension, and irritability. Caffeine can also interact with medications and exacerbate health conditions.
Taurine
Taurine is an organic acid that is commonly used in energy supplements and energy drinks to improve performance. Taurine has been shown to decrease blood lactate concentrations after exhaustive exercise and reduce post-exercise fatigue and soreness. Taurine may be toxic when taken as a supplement, but only at high doses that would not be found in an energy drink or a supplement.
Guarana/Caffeine Anhydrous/Taurine
Guarana is a plant species from South America that contains caffeine and theophylline in small amounts. Guarana can be found in energy drinks and is often used to increase alertness and improve focus. Caffeine anhydrous is a caffeine-containing extract of the plant which has been shown to enhance alertness, concentration, and memory. Taurine is an organic acid that is used in energy drinks to improve performance. The combination of these three ingredients is commonly found in energy drinks and supplements.
Studies have shown that guarana, caffeine anhydrous, and taurine can increase alertness, concentration, and memory more than placebo. They may also improve mood and reduce fatigue.
