What’s in an energy drink?

Soon it will be that time again, when finals come around and drain students of their energy and confidence. The days, which already feel shorter, will become even more hectic. Enter the energy drink-filled world, one with sugar, caffeine, and too many ingredients for the average consumer to know.

While I was a freshman, I often consumed energy drinks like AMP and Monster. My father asked me how I coped with studying late at night and waking up early the next morning for more work. I quickly replied, “I drink a soda or an energy drink when I get tired.”

It was true: a soda kept me going for at least an hour, and if I needed to cram endless amounts of information into my brain, I would have an energy drink to keep me running for several more hours.

But after hearing about energy drinks from classmates and a few courses, it made me wonder: was consuming energy drinks a good idea? Was it good for my body to consume so much sugar and caffeine? And what else is in these energy drinks, anyway?

A few common ingredients are found in several different energy drinks. Caffeine is a drug we are often exposed to through sodas and other beverages. It stimulates our body’s nervous system and relieves us of fatigue. Of course, there is such a thing as too much caffeine – over 500 to 600 milligrams daily, according to MayoClinic.com; symptoms of caffeine overingestion include “insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, nausea, irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, headaches and anxiety.” Energyfiend.com states that there are about 143 milligrams of caffeine in a 16-ounce can.

Taurine, according to Mayo Clinic registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, is an amino acid that “supports neurological development and helps regulate the level of water and mineral salts in the blood.” About 3,000 milligrams of supplemental taurine a day are considered safe. Interestingly, Monster Khaos has a third of that value at 1,000 milligrams per serving, but note that this energy drink has two servings per can, so you’re getting 2,000 milligrams of taurine.

Guaraná is a plant best known for its fruit. According to Yahoo!Health, “guaraná contains very high concentrations of caffeine and has been used as a stimulant and appetite suppressant.” The site also mentions that “guaraná has not been evaluated by the (Food and Drug Administration) for safety, effectiveness or purity.”

According to WebMD, inositol is a vitamin-like substance found in many plants and animals. It has a variety of uses ranging from diabetic nerve pain, insomnia and schizophrenia to promoting hair growth. WebMD says that “inositol is possibly safe for most adults. It can cause nausea, tiredness, headache and dizziness.”

Ginseng is a root common in Chinese medicine. MayoClinic.com has stated that “consumption of ginseng may increase or decrease blood pressure.” Some side effects of long-term consumption of ginseng are “skin rash or spots, itching, diarrhea or insomnia.”

Whether we succumb to the temptation of partying over studying or lose energy because of cramming, finals are still headed our way. How will you cope?

Some students are willing to pick up an oversized can for a needed boost of energy.

Senior geography major Elise Kama said, “Well, they keep me awake when I need to be, like for exams or work. And for me, they seem to work better than coffee. I love the taste of energy drinks, especially Red Bull.”

Others feel differently. Kali Morimoto, a senior food science and human nutrition major, calls his first energy drink “a bad experience.”

“It was bad because it made me feel really jittery, like an intense sugar rush,” he said. “It was not worth the price.”

“They could be unsafe to your health,” Morimoto continued. “You could possibly overdose on some of your nutrients.”

When asked if he recently had any energy drinks, he replied, “I don’t think I bought one after that.”

If you do decide to reach for that can of Monster, be sure to note the warnings on the can: “Consume responsibly. Limit 3 cans per day. Not recommended for children, pregnant women, or people sensitive to caffeine.”