You see them everywhere nowadays. Energy drinks are designed to increase your energy with high caffeine levels. They are sold everywhere from grocery stores to gas stations and even Dunkin’ Donuts sells energy refreshers. Many people drink them everyday without taking the time to understand what they actually contain. 

Most energy drinks contain a variation of ingredients. There are a few main ingredients that most brands include in their drinks. The most important ingredient is caffeine. Caffeine increases alertness and reduces fatigue. While sugar is added into many brands, the amount differs from one to another. People may choose to reach for an Alani and Celsius because they have 0mg of sugar but contain 200mg of caffeine. Lastly, there is also taurine which is an amino acid that is typically added into energy drinks. Taurine helps balance out the effects of caffeine.

People are consuming energy drinks and not focusing on the effects they can cause if you aren’t paying attention to what you are drinking. According to John Hopkins Medicine website, “Due to children’s developing brains, decreased impulse control (placing self-imposed limits) and smaller body sizes, they are more susceptible to the effects and risks of caffeine ingestion. Children who consume caffeine can have difficulty sleeping and may develop behavioral or mental health issues, such as increased aggression, anxiety, stress and depression. Energy drinks provide those same effects, along with the added negative effects of sugar.” This website shows many specific reasons on why energy drinks can be so harmful to children.

Many teenagers and children have had life threatening side effects due to drinking energy drinks. Several people experienced high blood sugars and increased heart rate. According to the Today Show website “Fourteen-year-old Anais Fournier downed two 24-ounce energy drinks on one December day, while hanging out with her friends at the mall. In total, both of the cans.” contained 480mg of caffeine which is five times the amount according to the American Academy of Pediatricians.  She began to go into cardiac arrest and into a coma to prevent brain swelling. After  six days  she unfortunately passed away. All because she drank what we think of as being a safe “pick me up.”

Even though there are many negatives to energy drinks there are some positives. One example is improved mental function. There have been studies showing they can improve memory and concentration. They can also improve physical performances. Athletes also drink them for working out and improving strength. They do taste good especially if you are sick of coffee.

I questioned one of my friends Reid Clagett and my teacher Mrs. Ciminero at NMS asking their opinion on energy drinks and the side effects they notice. Reid Clagett stated, “They increase my energy for an hour or so but begin to give me headaches and actually make me super tired.” Mrs. Ciminero states, “I think they provide a nice boost of energy, but have some very  questionable ingredients.”

If you ever consider quitting energy drinks there are other options. A few alternatives are water with electrolytes, green tea, and fruit-infused waters. All of these options provide energy but without all of the added sugars. 

For centuries caffeine has been used as a natural pick me up. People have been consuming caffeine for so long because it is found in over 60 plant species. Since it is a natural ingredient it was very accessible. Some cultures used it for long periods of time when they had to pray or meditate. 

There is a quote out on the internet stating “Energy drinks like Red Bull may give you wings for the moment, but in time it takes away your basic physical and mental wellness…” Nothing is closer to the truth than this. It’s scary to think that this innocent looking drink could be nothing but huge problems if used incorrectly. Maybe next time you want some energy, don’t go for the drink. Instead, go a safer route and drink a cup of coffee.