Drink Supplements

Energy drinks have become increasingly popular in recent years with many individuals choosing to consume these in order to stay more alert and focused. Despite their popularity, the best energy drink supplements have drawn concern from some health professionals due to the lack of evidence demonstrating their safety and effectiveness. The safety of energy drink supplements is a hot topic right now which has made it difficult for consumers to understand the potential risks that they may or may not pose.

What Are Energy Drink Supplements?

Energy drink supplements are drinks formulated to include additional caffeine and other compounds that may have additional effects on the body. Some common energy drink supplements include taurine, guarana, ginseng, ginkgo biloba and various other herbal ingredients. Energy drink supplements can come in liquid or powdered form and are marketed as a healthier alternative to coffee and soda which contain the same amount of caffeine per serving.

Energy drinks have been designed to taste similar to popular soda brands although energy drink supplements tend to be far less sweet and more bitter. Energy drink supplements are not regulated by the U.S Food and Drug Administration and are readily available at gas stations, convenience stores and over the internet.

Drink Supplements

Safety Concerns

Energy drinks have gained popularity over the years in part due to their ability to increase alertness, improve reaction time and overall cognitive functioning. Energy drink supplements contain compounds that work synergistically with caffeine to provide additional energy boosting effects however these benefits may come at a high cost due to the lack of evidence demonstrating their safety profile in humans.

Energy Drink Supplements and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Energy drink supplements are often marketed as a healthier alternative to energy drinks and coffee however some of these products contain various compounds that may pose cardiovascular risks. Study data has shown that the combination of caffeine and ginseng may increase blood pressure, increase heart rate and prolong the QTc interval on an electrocardiogram. These side effects tend to be more pronounced in individuals who are not used to consuming high amounts of caffeine.