Energy and Sports Drinks
EALTHHINTS Texas Cooperative Extension Texas A&M University System Editors: Janet M. Pollard, MPH; Carol A. Rice, Ph.D., RN; Jenna Anding, Ph.D., RD, LD HFebruary/March 2006 Vol. 10 No. 2 Energy & Sports Drinks Energy Drinks Hydration and health concerns Arouse or a ruse? A boost or a bust? eed a boost in your day? Need to ou may have heard the claims of energy optimize your workout? What about drink manufacturers: increased energy, N a can of Red Bull, Snapple Fire, Power Ymetabolism, stamina, mental alertness, etc. House, Atomic Energy, or another energy drink? Energy drinks include such brands as Red Bull, What about Gatorade, Powerade, Allsport, or SoBe Adrenaline Rush, Snapple Fire, Blue Ox, another sports drink? Can any of these help? Do Power House, Atomic Energy, and others. People these products really do what they claim? Or consume energy drinks before workouts, when should I just drink water? dancing all night (often mixing them with alco- hol), or just as an afternoon pick-me-up.1 This issue of HealthHints will take a look at what’s inside of these beverages and how they can help “Energy drinks are meant to supply mental and and/or harm. We will use the term “energy physical stimulation for a short time.”2 The drink” to represent highly caffeinated drinks that primary ingredients are usually: may also contain other stimulants, amino acids, • caffeine, vitamins, minerals, and herbs and claim to • taurine (an amino acid, one of the building increase mental and physical stamina and alert- blocks of protein), and ness, such as Red Bull.
[Show full text]