Are energy drinks cut out for sports and slimming?

By Guy Montague-Jones

- Last updated on GMT

Two newly published papers have questioned how effective energy drinks are as sports drinks and whether they have a role to play in weight loss.

Writing in the Physician and Sportsmedicine​, researchers at Nova Southeastern University in Florida reviewed current evidence on the potential benefits of energy drinks.

The drinks are now being promoted not just as energy boosters but as sports beverages but evidence is mixed on their suitability. Assistant professor Stephanie Ballard said: “Most of the performance-enhancing effects of energy drinks can be linked to their caffeine content. Caffeine has been consistently been observed to enhance aerobic performance, although its effects on anaerobic performance may vary.”

Sugar content

Energy drinks are also not simple vehicles for caffeine consumption. In a review on energy drink use and safety for athletes in Physician and Sportsmedicine​, scientists said they contain significant quantities of sugar, which could work positively or negatively in pursuit of better sporting performance.

On the upside, the researchers wrote: “The sugars in energy drinks (particularly glucose) may act synergistically to enhance the effects of caffeine. When consumed in sufficient amounts, the sugar may be used as carbohydrates in loading regimens to enhance exercise performance.”

However, high sugar levels and the laxative effect of fructose may cause gastrointestinal distress. In addition, the scientists said: “The high concentration of sugars in energy drinks tends to slow the rate of fluid absorption from the intestine; therefore, it is not ideal to consume energy drinks before or during exercise.”

Weight loss

On the subject of weight loss there is plenty of conflicting evidence, and a lot appears to depend on how and how much energy drinks are consumed.

Ballard​said: “Although some data suggest that combining energy drink use with exercise may enhance body fat reduction. Increases in burning calories and losing weight are likely subject to diminishing returns as users become habituated to caffeine.

The scientist added that it is important not to forget that energy drinks are loaded with sugar. “Despite their use for weight loss, energy drinks may be contributing to the obesity epidemic alongside less caffeinated, sugary drinks like soda.”

Source: Physician and Sportsmedicine
Effects of Commercial Energy Drink Consumption on Athletic Performance and Body Composition
Authors: S. Ballard J. Wellborn-Kim, K. Clauson

Source: Physician and Sportsmedicine
Energy Drinks: A Review of Use and Safety for Athletes
Authors: E. Duchan, N. D Patel, and C. Feucht

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Brand Owners – Are You Getting the Supplement You Want?

Brand Owners – Are You Getting the Supplement You Want?

Content provided by Gemini Pharmaceuticals, Inc | 01-Nov-2024 | White Paper

Often the balance of “best value” and “best price” walks Brand Owners into a maze, and no industry seems to exemplify that like dietary supplements! However,...

Explore the scientific foundations of Nextida™ GC

Explore the scientific foundations of Nextida™ GC

Content provided by Rousselot | 01-Nov-2024 | White Paper

The first commercialised ingredient in the Nextida platform, a range of specific collagen peptide compositions with targeted health benefits, Nextida™...

Your Product Innovation Begins Here: Booth 4055

Your Product Innovation Begins Here: Booth 4055

Content provided by Effepharm Ltd | 22-Oct-2024 | Product Brochure

EffePharm will showcase innovative anti-aging solutions, featuring UthPeak™, world’s first self-GRAS approved NMNH, which boosts NAD+ levels by 10X. UthPeak™...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars