One such drink that has found its way in every gas station, every convenience store, millions of  websites and even health food stores are 5-Hour Energy shots. Since many drinks contain sugar and a lot of it, they are also steeped in calories. But 5-Hour Energy shots bill themselves as the carb-conscious solution for anyone looking for a boost of energy without the calories of sugar. In addition, these small pocket-sized bottles of caffeine don’t contain any herbal stimulants and sport just four calories per two-ounce serving. They also contain Vitamin B6, B12, folic acid, amino acids and niacin.

The regular strength 5-Hour Energy shots contain about 80 mg of caffeine per two-ounce serving, which is about the equivalent of an eight-ounce cup of coffee. But the brand has also created an Extra Strength which contains as much caffeine as a 12-ounce cup of joe.

While energy drinks like 5-Hour Energy shots are popular among teenagers and young adults, many health advocates have highly criticized the potential danger of these super-charged beverages. Even the FDA cannot attest for the safety of many of the ingredients of these caffeine bombs. Possible side effects are irregular heart beats, dizziness, insomnia, jitteriness, irritability and reduced concentration.

The primary concern among the medical community is that the the effects of caffeine on the developing brains of children, teenagers and young adults has not been studied. We do know that caffeine use poses risk for the developing fetus during pregnancy and can also cause sleeping and psychological problems.

In addition, the caffeine content does not have to be disclosed on the label just as long as what is included on it is suffice enough to comply with the current labeling regulations.

So the take-home message is to exercise caution. If you’re brave enough to try one of these heart-thumping drinks, do yourself a favor and read the instructions. The 5-Hour Energy shots for both Regular and Extra Strength only recommend that you drink half of a bottle (or one ounce) to start with for a moderate energy boost. In addition, the label strongly discourages consuming two bottles in a 24-hour period. Unless of course, you enjoy bouncing off walls and visibly seeing your ticker thump through your chest.

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

The Low-Down on 5-Hour Energy Shots

My first choice is Sugar-Free Red Bull. And, since about four billion cans were reportedly sold worldwide in 2006, it’s the choice of most other energy beverage drinkers as well. Generally speaking, best way to keep your energy levels at peak levels is a sensible diet and a regular fitness regimen. But we all have days where life gets the better of us.

The main stimulating ingredients in Red Bull are caffeine and taurine. In its natural form, taurine is derived from animal tissue. At first it was isolated from bull bile, which makes it clear why the name “Red Bull” was chosen. But don’t worry, the taurine used in Red Bull is produced synthetically.

Taurine is an amino acid. Some studies suggest that it may improve athletic and mental performance, especially in conjunction with caffeine. However, these findings are not universally accepted.

So are energy drinks dangerous? Each needs to be examined on their own merits, but as for Red Bull, there is no evidence that moderate consumption is dangerous for your health. I’d have to assume there could be exceptions, like people with heart conditions. But if you’re a healthy person, and don’t plan on binge drinking, you’re probably fine.

The same goes if you mix it with alcohol. Moderation is key in almost everything in life. And that is especially true in alcoholic drinks.

There was a study published in 2007 that claimed that students who mixed energy drinks and alcohol were more likely to be injured than those who just drank regular alcoholic drinks. But it’s not about overdosing as much as it is about the misconception that the subjects are alert (because of the stimulants), when they are just as drunk as anyone else with the same amount of drinks.

“Students whose motor skills, visual reaction times, and judgment are impaired by alcohol may not perceive that they are intoxicated as readily when they’re also ingesting a stimulant,” said Dr. Mary Claire O’Brien, lead researcher and associate professor of emergency medicine and public health sciences at Wake Forest University. “Only the symptoms of drunkenness are reduced – but not the drunkenness. They can’t tell if they’re drunk; they can’t tell if someone else is drunk. So they get hurt, or they hurt someone else.”

Again, the moral of the story is moderation.

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Energy Drinks: My Very Own Stimulus Package