2008 Energy Drinks Review - NOT YOUR PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS DRINK ...

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2008 Energy Drinks Review - NOT YOUR PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS DRINK ...

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ENERGY DRINKSPaul Crane| By

ENERGY DRINKS

 ByPaul Crane, Consumer Advocate, UltimateFatBurner.com

Do you really want to drink something as lackluster as water when you can make a more personal statement by downing a can of Wired x505? Or perhaps a glass of Nuclear Waste Antidote better suites your fancy? (No, I am not kidding. is drink DOES exist!) Got milk? I don’t think so. Energy drinks are a billion-dollar industry. If you’ve been thinking you are seeing a lot more of them around lately, you’d be right. Currently, more than 100 new products hit the market every year as manufacturers work feverishly to claim their piece of this very lucrative pie. With names like Spike, Redline, Rockstar, Monster, Red Bull, Piranha, and Whoop Ass (I’m only scratching the surface here), few can resist the magnetic lure of today’s energy drinks. If “hip” could be bottled, well… energy drinks would be the closest things to it. (Hey, even hip-hop artist Nelly has his own energy drink—PimpJuice!)

NOT YOUR PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS DRINK! Energy drinks seem pretty harmless. After all, we already get plenty of caffeine-fueled energy from sodas and coffee. Heck, a Starbucks Grande Coffee contains a whopping 372 grams of caffeine—significantly more than some of the drinks mentioned in this article. Of course, coffee—even a mega-sized Starbucks coffee—clearly does not have the sex appeal of these new energy drinks. And coffee is not mixed with vodka or mistakenly used as a replacement for hydrating fluids (caffeine, as you likely already know, is a dehydrating agent). Nor does it contain an additional cocktail of stimulants that extend or enhance the energizing effects of caffeine. And it sure as heck isn’t endorsed by a myriad of rock stars, “extreme sports” professionals, pro-wrestlers, and skateboarders.

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Heck, your parents drink coffee.Your grandparents drink coffee... Bottom line? If you’re young, hip, and have more than $3 in disposable cash, the energy drink manufacturers are falling over themselves for your money. (e largest demographic for energy drinks is 16- to 29-year-old males and females.) Used responsibly, energy drinks can provide a short-term boost in energy and mental acuity. But, like anything else, irresponsible use of these “pick me up” products can have a dark side.

RED BULL If there were a “founding father” of energy drinks, Red Bull would be it. (I’m not counting Jolt cola as an energy drink.) For many, Red Bull is the epitome of the energy drink. Potency- wise, Red Bull seems a little tame when compared to newer products like Spike, Wired x505, and Redline. etheless,thekeytoowningthemarket(asmany rtising experts will tell you) sometimes requires ingmorethanbeingtherefirst. And Red Bull was there first. So what’s in a can (8.4 oz / 250 ml) of the mousRedBull?ere’sagramoftaurine,600mg lucuronolactone, 80 mg of caffeine, and a blend of tamins.(Bvitaminsarecommontomostenergy ks, primarily for their energy-enhancing effects.) Caffeine, as we all know, is a common stimulant rallyoccurringinteas,coffee,andchocolate,among rthings.Wethinkittobeaprettytamestimulant, overconsumptionisnotwithoutdanger.Pregnant enespeciallyneedtobeconcerned.Consumption ver 300 mg of caffeine daily can lead to low birth hts,andheavyconsumptionhasbeentiedtosudden

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infant death syndrome. (You’ll notice that most energy drinks contain a warning to pregnant or breast-feeding mothers.) And like any other stimulant, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate. Plus, excessive and regular use of caffeine can even lead to a physical dependence—i.e., addiction. Classic withdrawal symptoms include headaches, irritability, and lethargy. Perhaps of most importance to athletes, caffeine is also a diuretic, meaning it increases the output of urine and increases the need for proper hydration. Remember, energy drinks are often mistakenly used as hydrating fluids for athletes of all levels, which could pose a health risk. Taurineis an amino acid naturally found in meat and fish. Clinical studies show that in doses of two to six grams, taurine is useful for the treatment of congestive heart failure. It has proven useful for the treatment of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even cystic fibrosis. Early reports also suggest that the combination of taurine and caffeine (as found in Red Bull and similar energy drinks) may produce an elevation in mental performance (at least slightly). Glucuronolactoneis a carbohydrate normally produced in the human body via the metabolism of glucose in the liver. It is reported to act as an antidepressant and stimulant as well as aid in memory retention and concentration. Some feel it may aid in the excretion of toxins from the body. However, there is little clinical evidence to validate any of this. Interestingly, my Canadian can of Red Bull has no caloric information on it, although reports I’ve seen indicate it contains about 27 grams of sugar. (That’s over five teaspoons!) In my books, that qualifies it as little more than caffeine “spiked” pop. Despite its now seemingly mild formula, Red Bull has experienced some controversy. e product is banned in France, Denmark, and now Turkey. In Sweden, it is being investigated after reports that three people died after drinking it. (Consumption in concert with alcohol appears to have been the contributing factor.) Last year, Ross Cooney, an 18 year old from Limerick, Ireland, died after a basketball game before which he consumed four cans of Red Bull. And while there is no concrete evidence that Red Bull either caused or contributed to the death of any of these individuals, it is enough to make many in governmental health departments nervous.

SPIKED SUGAR?

One thing seldom discussed is the sheer volume of sugar that typical energy drinks contain. Not only does the vast amount of sugar provide you with plenty of “empty” calories, it spikes your insulin levels and sends you immediately into fat-storing mode.

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In Canada, despite being the only energy drink labeled as a “natural health product” and bearing a natural health product number (despite being banned until 2004), it has generated several reports of adverse reactions including… • Electrolyte disturbances • Nausea and vomiting • Heart irregularities In short, Red Bull isn’t water. You shouldn’t consume more than two cans per day (as per the label instructions). You should not mix it with alcohol. And you should definitely not use it to re-hydrate after exercise. But if you’re not concerned about your sugar load and want a short-term energy boost, Red Bull is the new “traditional” choice.

REDLINE According to the caffeine database at EnergyFiend.com, an eight-ounce serving of Redline sports 250 mg of caffeine per serving (some of which is derived from natural sources like green tea and yerba mate). at’s over three times the caffeine content of Red Bull. Wow. But even that is not enough to account for the fact that this product is the most potent stimulant I have ever encountered. (And that’s coming from a guy who used to take the full e times a day!) is stuff is pure rocket fuel and should be approached with caution, especially by people who are sensitive to stimulants. And please, do not exceed the recommended half-can dosage. e label instructions says it all… “Exceeding the recommended serving will not improve results and may cause serious adverse health effects…” What makes Redline so potent? Well, combining copious amounts of caffeine with the yohimbe, 5-HTP, vinpocetine, and N-acetyl-L-tyrosine probably has something to do with it.(Unfortunately, although the ingredient profile of Redline is revealed, the actual amount of each ingredient is not.) However, if my constant jittering and incessant babbling were any indication, there’s probably plenty of each in Redline. Yohimbine HCL: In some countries, yohimbine is classified as a drug and used to increase chronically low blood pressure, treat erectile dysfunction, dilate the pupil of the eye, and stimulate fat loss. It’s an alpha-2-adrenergic blocking agent and

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In truth, the responsibility for the proper use of these products lies directly with the user. It is up to you to read the label and understand it. It is up to you to educate your children.

a potent vasodilator, effective at stimulating blood flow to extremities. It’s not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or a history of hypertension. Although generally considered safe when the appropriate dose is used, adverse reactions can include insomnia, anxiety, tachycardia, hypertension, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Some experts caution against combining it with other stimulatory products—like caffeine and even tyrosine. 5-HTPis often used to treat mild depression on the premise that as a precursor to serotonin (a chemical neurotransmitter found in the brain), 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels and influence mood. Vinpocetineis a derivative of an alkaloid derived of a plant from the periwinkle family. In Europe, Japan, and Mexico, it’s used as a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of cerebrovascular and cognitive disorders. As well as affecting mental acuity, it may also have a slight effect on elevating metabolism, but at this time, that’s mostly speculation. N-acetyl-L-tyrosineis an easily absorbed, potent form of l-tyrosine. L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that happens to be the precursor of several important neurotransmitters—l-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine—which are important contributors to mood, cognitive performance, as well as combating stress. Many of the ingredients in Redline are included for their “supposed” fat-burning characteristics— Redline is advertised as being a fat incinerator as well as an energy booster. ese include most of the

WARNING!

ike Shooter, the energy drink brought to us by t,cranksupthecaffeinewarsanothernotch vering300mginafull8.4-ozserving.Like e, Spike also contains yohimbe and n-acetyl- ine,aswellas25,000%ofthedailyvalueof n B12—a whopping 1,500 mcg. otheircredit,BioTesthasalertedconsumers importanceofreadingthelabelinstructions

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING?

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2. Do not mix with alcohol. Yeah, yeah, I’m no fun. But seriously… mixing two diuretics together (caffeine and alcohol) is not a good idea. It can cause dehydration that may compromise the heart, causing irregular, abnormal heartbeats and possibly even long-term damage. (The three people who died in Sweden had been consuming Red Bull with alcohol.) If you’re unwilling to give up your “heart attacks” (vodka

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ENERGY DRINKSPaul Crane| By

With that in mind, here are five tips for smart use of energy drinks…

aforementioned, as well as evodiamine, guggulsterones, and yerba mate. Is Redline an effective fat burner? Well, there are no clinical studies indicating that it is, and the effectiveness of many of its alingredientsisfarfromdefinitive.Whatitis,however, adrenalineinacan.Ifyou’relookingfor eenergyandliketofeelamped,acanofRed on’t disappoint.

Some manufacturers don’t even bother displaying a responsible corporate image. For instance, despite the dangers associated with consuming energy drinks with alcohol, Vegas Fuel (www.drinkvegasfuel.com) actually posts “social libation” recipes on its website. A “Redrum,” for instance, is ice plus two parts rum and four parts Vegas Fuel. Nice!

1. Read the label. No, it’s not rocket science, but you need to do it. If a product has a warning posted, it’s there to cover the manufacturer’s butt, so make sure you read and understand what you’re putting into your system. Check for caffeine and other stimulants (remember that guarana can contain up to 16% caffeine).

Talk to industry spokespeople and you’ll find they sound both reasonable and responsible—they don’t want children consuming their beverages, they say. Label warnings, they point out, are prominent and to the point, warning those under 18 to avoid the products altogether.

before drinking its product. A warning is prominently featured on the front of the can. On the other hand, presenting Spike as “extremely potent” and cautioning users probably works quite well as a selling point—especially for the thrill seekers in the 16- to 29-year-age group. e Spike website (spikeshooter.com) serves to emphasize this point… “Spike is so potent, the label warns newbies to take it slow… but the flavor’s so good, you’ll want to slam the whole can.” If this is not advertising to an under 30 demographic, I’ll eat my hat. Like Red Bull, Spike has received its fair share of negative publicity. In Colorado, one high school has banned it from campus and lobbied the local 7-Eleven to remove it from its shelves. Bottomline?Spikeisanextremelypotent you’re old enough to have taken the good old e fulldosage,you’llprobablyenjoytheenergySpi drink decaf, Spike will take your head off.

ROCKSTAR RockStar is another well-known energy drink. It is distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Coca-Cola (which also makes its own energy drinks—Full rottle, all five variations, and Tab energy). ere are currently seven different variations of RockStar. I’m going to look at the “regular” version in the 16-ounce serving.

mixed with Red Bull), at least drink them with a bottle of water in hand. And recognize that the stimulant effect of the energy drink will mask your level of intoxication—which too can be dangerous.

3. Do not use as a replacement for hydrating fluids. Energy drinks are for energy. Not hydration. In fact, they are dehydrating, and consuming them instead of water is counter-productive. Consuming during athletic events is really a bad idea, since the body is already in a dehydrated state.

4. Maintain some perspective. A cup of coffee can contain between 60 and 100 mg of caffeine, tea 40 and 60 mg. If your energy drink contains 300 mg of caffeine,

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Compared to products like Spike and edline, RockStar seems tame. However, it’s ot clear just how much caffeine is contained unce serving. e label cites 160 mg nebutdoesnotindicatewhetherthat thecaffeinecontentofthe400mg na seed extract also present in this . arana, you see, is rich in caffeine and ainasmuchas16%caffeine.at danadditional64mgofcaffeineto ula,bringingtheoveralltotalto224 t’spotent,althoughrelativelymild mpared to the much smaller eight- roductslikeSpikeandRedline. kStaralsocontainstheobligatory andglucoronlactone(awhopping1,894 1,135mgrespectively)plusvitamin ianginsengrootextract(awell-known xtract,andablendofB-vitamins(to toftheproductlabeling?). histleextractisincludedhere. standardized for silymarin, a well- o could it be milk thistle’s reputation themanufacturersawarethat RockStar is often mixed with alcohol (milk thistle has the reputation of acting as a “hangover cure” by helping the liver process alcohol more efficiently) and are trying to help their clientele out? Once again, this apparent anomaly runs contrary to the label directions, which indicate this product is not to be mixed with alcohol.

you’re getting the equivalent of three strong cups of coffee. If that’s what you want, great. If not, at least you’re forewarned.

5. Use in moderation. One teen in Fairfax County, VA, drank 12 in one night, and then was scared to death because her heart was beating “so fast,” and she couldn’t catch her breath. Well, DUH! Energy drinks are not pop.

Use them responsibly.That is, in M-O-D-E-R-A-T-I-O-N.

Pretty straightforward, no? Just be smart and recognize that some “energy drinks” pack one heckuva punch.

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ENERGY DRINKSPaul Crane| By

Like Red Bull, RockStar also contains plenty of sugar—27 grams, or slightly over five teaspoons. Like its competitors, RockStar advertises to a young, hip, upwardly mobile crowd. For instance, they partnered with Penthouse to host a large celebrity party for the 2006 Super Bowl. ey sponsor rock bands and their tours, professional racing teams, UFC fighters, paint ball teams, and pro wrestlers. Wanna party like a rock star? You’d better start drinking RockStar. Or so their image would lead you to believe.

THE BOTTOM LINE Are energy drinks dangerous? Used responsibly and in moderation, there’s no evidence to indicate that energy drinks pose any danger to healthy adults (although I personally have my doubts about products boasting 500 mg caffeine per serving). At the same time, there is very little known about the safety of the consumption ofexcessivelevels of these beverages. So moderation is definitely the key here. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Aye, but herein lies the rub… Energy drinks are in large part advertised to a demographic that equates “moderation” with “boring.” Just check out who the majority of energy drink manufacturers hire to endorse their products—rock stars, extreme sports professionals, skateboarders, pro wrestlers—anyone who lives life on the proverbial “edge.” ese products are definitely not being marketed to “30-” or “40-somethings.” So, despite the obligatory label warnings and responsible

REFERENCES: 1. Leviton A. Caffeine consumption and the risk of reproductive hazards. J Reprod Med. 1988 Feb;33(2):175-8. Review. 2. Leviton A. Coffee, caffeine and reproductive hazards in humans. In: Caffeine, Coffee and Health. Ed: S Garratini. Raven Press, New York. 1993 Pp. 343-358. 3. Godel JC, Pabst HF, Hodges PE, Johnson KE, Froese GJ, Joffres MR. Smoking and caffeine and alcohol intake during pregnancy in a northern population: effect on fetal growth. CMAJ. 1992 Jul 15;147(2):181-8. 4. Cook DG, Peacock JL, Feyerabend C, Carey IM, Jarvis MJ, Anderson HR, Bland JM. Relation of caffeine intake and blood caffeine concentrations during pregnancy to fetal growth: prospective population based study. BMJ. 1996 Nov 30;313(7069):1358-62. 5. Leviton A. Does coffee consumption increase the risk of reproductive adversities? J Am Med Women’s Assoc. 1995 Jan-Feb;50(1):20-2. Review.

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ENERGY IN A PILL

If you find yourself fading in the afternoon or requiring a dose of energy at any point during the day, you may be more interested in using an “energy pill” than one of these sugared beverages. While they may not be nearly as “sexy,” they tend to be more user-friendly and deliver a slow, sustained, timed-release dose of energy that won’t have you feeling like someone pulled the rug out from under you in an hour or so. It may not surprise you to know that my personal favorite in this category is iSatori’s Energize®.

Now, rumor has it that iSatori is also working on a small sugar-free energy 2.9-ounce drink. As a bonus, it combines both a fast and controlled release of caffeine, mitigating the typical energy high then crash, just like in the popular Energize pill.

corporate image, the message the manufacturers are sending— via their product advertising—is… Live fast. Live hard. And push the envelope to the extreme. Like mostReal SOLUTIONSreaders, I have a less extreme view. But I’ve tried a can or two of these drinks when I’ve needed a quick lift. Followed by a large glass of water. Maybe it’s not as sexy, but it is one of the keys to Live long.

About the Author: Paul Crane is the webmaster of UltimateFatBurner.com, the most trusted and respected review website on the net.

6. Kendler BS. Taurine: an overview of its role in preventive medicine. Prev Med. 1989 Jan;18(1):79-100. Review. 7. Yamori Y, Nara Y, Ikeda K, Mizushima S. Is taurine a preventive nutritional factor of cardiovascular diseases or just a biological marker of nutrition? Adv Exp Med Biol. 1996;403:623-9. Review. 8. Geiss K-R, Jester I, Falke W, Hamm M and Wang K-L. e effect of a taurine containing drink on performance in 10 endurance-athletes. Amino Acids (1994) 7:45-56 9. Drewnowski A, Bellisle F. Liquid calories, sugar, and body weight. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Mar;85(3):651-61. Review. 10. Ferreira SE, de Mello MT, Pompeia S, de Souza-Formigoni ML. Effects of energy drink ingestion on alcohol intoxication. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2006 Apr;30(4):598-605. 11. Cohen DL, Townsend RR. Does consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks affect blood pressure? J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2006 Oct;8(10):744-5

12. Riesenhuber A, Boehm M, Posch M, Aufricht C. Diuretic potential of energy drinks. Amino Acids. 2006 Jul;31(1):81-3. Epub 2006 Jun 1. 13. European Commission. Opinion on Caffeine, Taurine and D-Glucurono-Lactone as constituents of so-called “energy” drinks. Jan 21, 1999. 14. All in a label: Is Red Bull a “natural health product”? (www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/ health/redbull/label.html) 15. High School Students Warned About Energy Drink (www.thedenverchannel. com/news/11070908/detail. html?rss=den&psp=news) 16. School Tells Energy Drinks to Buzz Off, Va. High School Bans Beverages On Athletic Fields Because Of Health Risks (www.cbsnews. com/stories/2006/05/06/eveningnews/ main1596047.shtml) 17. Pouring Caution On Energy Drinks (www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/06/ earlyshow/health/main2156117. shtml?source=search_story)

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