It's been associated with a range of health effects, but most of these are based on lab data rather than data in people. Ginseng is a herbal extract and mild stimulant. 'There's no definitive evidence of benefits.' 'But there are a lot of mays and mights,' says Duane. It's thought to potentially have an effect on our nerves and brain, so it could increase alertness. Taurine is an amino acid that, unlike others, isn't used to make proteins. He suggests unsweetened coffee would be a better choice than a zero-sugar energy drink. 'If I could give one tip I'd say, if possible, switch to the zero-sugar version and then I think you're on much more sure ground.'īut, although it's good to make a move from sugar to sweeteners, Duane says these may have an effect on our biology, such as our gut microbiome. And these will be lower risk, says Rohin. There are many low or zero-sugar energy drink options. Low-sugar versions will be lower risk, but maybe not zero risk If someone is having a high load of very refined sugar, absorbed very rapidly, then that's much more of a concern than the caffeine, says Rohin.

'You're hitting over that with one can of some of these,' says Duane. And the government's recommendation for added sugar intake is around 45g per day. In the 250ml cans there's often 25g to 30g sugar in the 500ml cans there’s 25g to 55g – or more. However, when it comes to sugar content, it could be a different story. It might be the sugar in energy drinks that poses more of a health risk 'I think the caffeine in these drinks is being a bit unfairly demonised.' 4. Studies haven't identified any risk, he says, except at very high doses, 'which really no average person’s going to get to.' Even in patients with certain cardiac conditions. 'We have got good amounts of evidence, over decades, that caffeine is not something that is high risk for the heart,' he says. And Rockstar Original has a whopping 200mg of caffeine – that’s the recommended max for a single dose.ĭr Rohin Francis, consultant cardiologist However, Monster Original and Relentless Original contain 160mg. The supermarket own brands contain around 70mg or 75mg.

In comparison, a can of Red Bull contains 80mg, which actually makes it less caffeinated than a strong coffee. A coffee can come in at around 80mg to 120mg, depending on how it’s been brewed: an instant will be at the lower end a multi-shot espresso much higher. The recommended safe intake of caffeine is 400mg per day, with not more than 200mg in a single dose. Some energy drinks contain the recommended daily maximum for a single dose of caffeine It can increase heart rate and it can actually lead to feelings of palpitations,' explains Duane. 'Some people are very sensitive to caffeine. However, it's not clear if caffeine makes us alert and 'in the zone', or alert and 'not precise' and 'jumpy'. Consuming caffeine increases cortisol and adrenaline – the 'fight or flight' compounds in our body.

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