Energy drinks are often marketed as beverages that boost stamina, improve focus, and enhance physical output. Among dietary supplements, they rank just behind multivitamins in popularity with U.S. teenagers and young adults. Men aged 18 to 34 are the leading consumers, while nearly one in three teenagers between 12 and 17 years old report regular use of energy drinks.

There are two general types of energy drinks. One is packaged like typical soft drinks, with sizes such as 16 ounces. The other is the compact "energy shot," which contains around 2 to 2.5 ounces of concentrated formula. Both forms contain caffeine as a key active ingredient. A 16-ounce energy drink typically includes between 70 and 240 mg of caffeine, while energy shots range from 113 to 200 mg. (For comparison, a 12-ounce cola has roughly 35 mg of caffeine, and an 8-ounce coffee has about 100 mg.) Other common ingredients include guarana (a plant source of caffeine), sugar, taurine, ginseng, various B vitamins, carnitine, glucuronolactone, yohimbe, and bitter orange.

The rising use of energy drinks poses notable health risks.

• Between 2007 and 2011, emergency room visits related to energy drinks grew sharply, doubling in number. In 2011, about 10% of these visits led to hospitalization.

• Roughly 25% of college-age individuals combine energy drinks with alcohol. Those who do are more prone to heavy drinking (binge drinking) than those who don’t mix the two.

• According to the CDC, individuals aged 15 to 23 who mix energy drinks with alcohol are four times more likely to engage in excessive binge drinking—consuming six or more drinks in a single session—than those who avoid the mix.

• People who combine alcoholic drinks with energy drinks are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, drunk driving, or being involved in alcohol-related accidents and injuries.

• In 2011, nearly 42% of energy drink-related emergency visits involved a combination of energy drinks with alcohol or substances like cannabis, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs.

Bottom Line

• Research continues to highlight the potential health hazards of energy drinks, particularly for kids, teens, and young adults.

• While some studies show energy drinks may improve endurance, there's limited support for improvements in muscle strength or power. They might also aid alertness and quicken reaction time but could reduce fine motor skills like hand steadiness.

• Caffeine content in energy drinks varies greatly, and it may not always be clearly labeled. These drinks may be sold as regular beverages or as dietary supplements, both of which are not always required to display caffeine amounts on the packaging.

Safety

• Excessive caffeine intake can lead to heart and circulation problems, such as irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. Children's cardiovascular and nervous systems, which are still developing, may be especially vulnerable.

• Caffeine may also cause restlessness, insomnia, stomach upset, and fluid depletion.

• Guarana, a typical ingredient in energy drinks, contains caffeine and contributes to the total caffeine intake, often unnoticed by consumers.

• When energy drinks are consumed with alcohol, users may underestimate how intoxicated they are, even though reaction time and coordination remain impaired.

• High consumption among teens has been linked to sleep disturbances and a greater tendency toward risky behavior.

• Just one 16-ounce energy drink may have between 54 and 62 grams of added sugar, surpassing the recommended daily limit for added sugars.

For More Information

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers trustworthy information on complementary and integrative health topics, including publications and access to scientific research databases. It does not give medical advice or recommend treatments or healthcare providers.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 7-1-1

Email: [email protected]

Know the Science

The NCCIH, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provides educational tools to help individuals understand scientific concepts and research. Resources include interactive lessons, quizzes, videos, and links to government materials that help consumers interpret health-related information accurately.

Includes: How scientific research works, understanding journal studies, and learning key clinical trial concepts.

PubMed®

PubMed® is a resource from the National Library of Medicine that offers details and summaries from numerous scientific and medical journals. NCCIH provides tips on how to locate information about complementary health practices within this database.

This content is in the public domain and may be freely duplicated.

Note: This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns. Mention of specific products does not imply endorsement by NCCIH.