Energy Drinks: Safety, Efficacy, and Performance Implications
Date
2-18-2025
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology; Gina Mabrey, Kinesiology
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
10:00-10:10 am | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Please note: no video is available for this presentation.
Kids, teenagers, and athletes widely use energy drinks. However, how much benefit do they provide? Are they even safe to consume? Is it beneficial to stop at the gas station and grab a Red Bull on your way to the gym? The International Society of Sports Nutrition’s position regarding the ergogenic value of energy drinks (ED) and energy shots (ES) is based on several ED and ES studies. ED are widely used by populations who may not understand how to consume them to obtain the most benefit possible. Therefore, understanding the safety and efficacy of ED and ES is crucial to supporting the best outcome for athletes.
The recommendations' main aspects include the impact of ED and ES on exercise performance, goal-specific consumption, and considerations for individuals with medical conditions. Key conclusions are as follows: ED and ES are known to contain combinations of nutrients aiming to improve mental and physical performance. However, caffeine is the primary ergogenic component, while the benefits of other nutrients remain inconclusive. Therefore, when considering how to add ED into their routine, caffeine should be considered the main aid to an athlete’s performance. Drinking an energy drink before exercise enhances increases alertness, attention, and endurance. However, moderation is essential since greater dosages might result in anxiety and irritation. Overconsumption also diminishes desired benefits. Even greater caution is advised for individuals with health conditions. They should avoid ED and ES consumption unless their physician has allowed it, as excessive or inappropriate usage might have detrimental consequences. Drinking an energy drink before lifting weights can also improve lifting volume during resistance training. It is important to note that the most substantial improvements in subjective measures were noticed with lower doses, sometimes even lower than the recommended intake. These improvements were reduced as doses were increased. Timing and dosage matter if you want to reap the most benefit from energy drinks. According to limited evidence, energy drinks with many calories can cause weight gain, whereas those with few calories do not influence weight reduction. Impacts over the long run are uncertain. Athletes should consider the large amounts of sugar in ED and its effect on blood glucose levels and metabolism. Children and teens should only consume energy drinks with parental guidance to avoid risks. Overconsumption or other abuse of ED or ES may lead to adverse effects at any age. If used correctly, energy drinks can improve performance, but their risks—like anxiety, sleep issues, and heart problems—make careful use essential, especially for younger or at-risk individuals.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
This content is the property of Jacksonville State University and is intended for non-commercial use. Video and images may be copied for personal use, research, teaching or any "fair use" as defined by copyright law. Users are asked to acknowledge Jacksonville State University. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@jsu.edu.
Disciplines
Exercise Science
Recommended Citation
Lovell, Riley, "Energy Drinks: Safety, Efficacy, and Performance Implications" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 13.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/13
