Energy Drink

Energy drinks are a type of beverage that contain stimulant compounds, usually caffeine, which is marketed as providing mental and physical stimulation. They may or may not be carbonated and many also contain sugar or other sweeteners, herbal extracts, taurine, and amino acids.

History

The concept of an energy drink was originated in Japan with the release of the Lipovitan brand. Most such products in Japan are not carbonated and are sold instead as "energy tonics". The West adapted the concept of energy drinks from Asia, where the category had been established by the introduction of Lipovitan in the 1960s.

Health effects

Energy drinks have the effects of caffeine and sugar, but there is little or no evidence that the wide variety of other ingredients have any effect. Most effects of energy drinks on cognitive performance, such as increased attention and reaction speed, are primarily due to the presence of caffeine.

Regulation

In many countries, including the United States and Canada, there is a limitation on the maximum caffeine content. Other countries, such as Japan, do not have a legal category for energy drinks, and beverages are instead subject to various regulations for ingredients and advertising.

See also

• Caffeine
• Taurine
• Sugar
• Stimulant

External links

• FDA 101: Dietary Supplements

Energy Drink Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.