Maltodextrin
Related Terms
Adrenaline Rush?, B vitamins, caffeine, carnitine, creatine exercise, Diesel?, energy boosters, energy drink, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, glucose, guarana extracts, inositol, maltodextrin, Monster?, performance enhancers, Red Bull?, Sprin?, supplements, taurine, Venom?, vitamins.
Background
Energy drinks, or energy boosters, are beverages that contain stimulants, vitamins and/or minerals. Common ingredients include caffeine, guarana extracts, taurine, ginseng, maltodextrin, inositol, carnitine, creatine and Ginkgo biloba. Energy drinks may contain as much as 80mg of caffeine, the equivalent of a cup of coffee. Many also contain high levels of sugar or glucose.
There are many different types of energy drinks. Some examples include: Adrenaline Rush?, Red Bull?, Sprin?, Monster?, Diesel? and Venom?.
Theory / Evidence
Most energy drinks contain some combination of B vitamins, which are thought to help the body convert sugar into energy.
Few studies have evaluated the safety or efficacy of energy drinks. Most scientific studies have investigated the role of energy drinks in obesity. Research suggests that energy drinks high in sugar lead to weight gain.
Author information
This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
Health Hints. Energy and Sports Drinks. 10 May 2006.
Rush E, Schulz S, Obolonkin V, et al. Are energy drinks contributing to the obesity epidemic? Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2006;15(2):242-4.