energy drink
News •
energy drink, beverage formulated to increase alertness and reduce fatigue through relatively high concentrations of caffeine and other stimulants or purported performance-enhancing ingredients. In addition to caffeine, many energy drinks contain sugar or artificial sweeteners, amino acids such as taurine, herbal extracts, vitamins, and other additives marketed as supporting physical or mental performance.
Energy drinks are distinguished from sports drinks, which are used to replace water and electrolytes during or after physical activity, and from coffee and tea, which are brewed, contain fewer ingredients, and may be decaffeinated. Energy drinks also differ from soft drinks, which either do not contain caffeine or contain relatively small amounts of caffeine. Although some energy drinks are considered beverages, others, namely those containing food additives, may be marketed as dietary supplements. Since the late 20th century, hundreds of energy drink brands have been introduced worldwide, varying widely in their caffeine content, ingredients, and formulations..
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
Historical developments
Beverages marketed to combat fatigue have existed for decades, with the modern energy drink industry emerging in the late 20th century. One of the earliest products was Lipovitan D, introduced in Japan by Taisho Pharmaceutical in 1962 as a tonic for workers; the beverage contained taurine, B vitamins, and other ingredients. The category gained international prominence in 1987 with the introduction of Red Bull in Austria, which was adapted from the Thai beverage Krating Daeng.
During the 1990s and early 21st century, energy drinks became a rapidly expanding global market as manufacturers introduced new brands, formulations, and flavors while promoting their use for improved alertness, athletic performance, and mental focus. Their widespread popularity, particularly among adolescents and young adults, was accompanied by growing scientific and public health interest in their physiological effects and safety.
Energy and health effects
Although manufacturers often attribute the effects of energy drinks to proprietary blends of ingredients, most controlled studies indicate that the improvements in alertness, reaction time, and perceived energy are attributable primarily to caffeine, which blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, reducing fatigue and increasing alertness. In beverages that contain sugar, carbohydrates may provide a short-term source of metabolic energy, but other commonly added ingredients—including taurine, glucuronolactone, carnitine, herbal extracts, and high doses of vitamins—have shown limited or inconsistent evidence of independently improving cognitive or athletic performance. Consequently, the term energy refers chiefly to increased wakefulness and reduced perceptions of fatigue rather than to enhanced energy production by the body.
When consumed in moderation by healthy adults, energy drinks are generally associated with temporary improvements in attention, reaction time, and endurance. However, excessive consumption can produce adverse effects, including nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, tremor, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, and, in rare cases, abnormal heart rhythms or seizures. Because many products contain large amounts of caffeine and sugar, concerns have also been raised about their effects on cardiovascular health, obesity, and dental health. Particular caution is advised for children, adolescents, pregnant individuals, and people with certain cardiovascular conditions. The combined use of energy drinks and alcohol is of special concern because caffeine can reduce the perception of intoxication without diminishing alcohol-related impairment, increasing the risk of binge drinking and other harmful behaviors.
The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners.
SUBSCRIBE
