Are there any benefits to drinking sparkling energy drinks?
We found no official source (FDA, EFSA) that lists health benefits of energy drinks. What they do provide is caffeine: the FDA says energy drinks generally have 54 to 328 mg per 16 fl oz, and about 400 mg a day is the amount not generally associated with negative effects in healthy adults. Carbonation itself adds no caffeine, so a sparkling energy drink is judged by its caffeine and sugar.
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In this article
What do carbonated energy drinks actually give you?
The main active ingredient is caffeine. The FDA page on caffeine says energy drinks generally contain 54 to 328 mg per 16 fluid ounces, and a few brands list 41 to 246 mg per 12 fluid ounces. Check the can, because the range is wide. The FDA also says it has no regulation specific to energy drinks.
Is there any proven health benefit?
We did not find a statement of health benefits for energy drinks from the FDA or EFSA. The effect people notice is caffeine, which can make you feel more alert. The fizz does not change that.
How much caffeine is too much?
- FDA: 400 mg a day is an amount not generally associated with negative effects in healthy adults.
- EFSA: a single dose up to 200 mg from all sources does not raise safety concerns for healthy adults, and up to 400 mg a day is considered safe, except in pregnancy.
- EFSA: pregnant and breastfeeding women, up to 200 mg a day from all sources.
- EFSA: a single 100 mg dose may disturb sleep in some adults, especially close to bedtime.
Our calculation: a 16 fl oz drink at the top of the FDA range (328 mg) is already above 400 mg after about one and a quarter cans.
What about children and teens?
The FDA page says medical experts advise against energy drinks for children and teens because of the caffeine and sugar. The US CDC lists energy drinks as an example of sugar-sweetened beverages, which are associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease when drunk often. Sugar-free versions avoid the sugar, not the caffeine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have a heart condition, are pregnant or take medicines.
People also ask
What are the benefits of carbonated energy drinks?
We found no official health benefits listed by the FDA or EFSA. The main effect is from caffeine, and carbonation does not add to it.
How much caffeine is in an energy drink?
The FDA says generally 54 to 328 mg per 16 fl oz. Check the label of your product.
How much caffeine per day is considered safe?
FDA and EFSA both cite up to 400 mg a day for healthy adults. EFSA gives 200 mg a day for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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