Drinks improve:

- Performance

- Mental awareness

- Concentration

- Reaction speed

- Stimulates metabolism

Caffeine

Taurine

Guarana

Glucuronolactone

Assorted B Vitamins

Most consumed psychoactive stimulant in the entire world.

Found in products from chocolate to medicines.

Over 70% of beverages consumed contain caffeine.

Classifies products containing natural sources or herbs as a dietary supplement, and therefore, not a drug.

Lack of regulation

Over-the-counter caffeine stimulants such as NoDoz, containing 200mg of caffeine is required to include warnings on the label.

- Energy drinks with 500 mg of caffeine can be sold to anyone with no warnings listed.

Amino acid

Naturally present in seafood

Plays large role in many physiological processes:

- Calcium influx regulation (regulates muscle contraction)

- Neuronal excitability

Taurine, under normal conditions, is present and stored withing the human body in large quantities.

Stress/intense physical exertion

- Taurine stores are depleted

- Referred to as a "conditionally essential" amino acid

Impermissible substance

Controversy with vitamin water sponsorship

South American plant

Guarana contains guararine (similar to caffeine)

The exact source and nature of the guarana stimulant is not well understood.

- Has been reported that guarana puts for a longer stimulant effect.

Determining overall caffeine content

- Guarana products are marketed as either herbal or natural substances (leads to confusion)

Main carbohydrate source

Formed from glucose within the liver.

Toxicity studies have taken place using animals

- Animal metabolic pathways differ greatly from those of humans

- It is unknown what the possible effects are on humans

B vitamins are essential

- They help extract energy from food

Daily consumption is very important

- Most are likely to consume the necessary amounts within their diets alone.

Hydro-soluble

- The excessive amounts of B vitamins available in energy drinks will not produce stronger results (Not necessary to consume these vitamins in excess)

90-99% of caffeine is absorbed by the gut.

With a modest cup of coffee, the half-life of caffeine is reported to be 4 to 5 hours.

- The half-life increases with:

-- Higher levels of caffeine

-- Birth Control (up to 13 hours)

-- Pregnant (18-20 hours)

-- Those with impaired liver function

Stimulant

- Increased heart rate, respiration, muscle excitability

Leads to increased BP

Caffeine increases blood flow to the kidneys

- Diuretic

Positive effects on mood and cognitive performance.

Non-athlete consumption of Red Bull moderately improved:

- Concentration

- Reaction time

- Short-term memory

- Perceptions of alertness

- Endurance

Beneficial if taken:

- In moderation

- Relative to body size

- Normal caffeine consumption

Studies have shown that caffeine enhances:

- Physical athletic performance if taken prior to participating in exercise.

- Endurance in athletic events that last about 1 hr+ with moderate intensity events

Caffeine consumption can cause:

- Anxiety

- Sleepiness

- Cardiovascular disease

- Anemia

- Compromised zinc and iron absorption

Studies show that a single high dose of caffeine can cause increased:

- Blood pressure

- Tachycardia

Hypertension

Acute mania, stroke, and seizures

Children and Pregnant Women at higher risk

- Withdrawal symptoms are enhanced in younger children (restlessness, irritability, high blood pressure, upset stomach, and racing heart)

Caffeine = a diuretic

Increased blood flow to kidneys

- Inhibits reabsorption of electrolytes

- More water is expelled through urination

Benefits minimal in comparison to the necessity of maintaining hydration

Higher risk of heat illness with dehydration

- Caffeine in conjunction with playing in warm weather

Energy drinks should not be used during or after exercise.

- Carbohydrate levels are extremely high (slows water absorption in the body)

Caffeine is excluded from the DSM-IV-TR's substance dependence list

- But a lot a evidence indicates it causes a substance dependence in some people

Withdrawal Symptoms:

- Fatigue

- Drowsiness

- Headache

- Irritability

- Mental confusion

- Depression

- Nausea

- Increased blood pressure

- Stomach pains