03.01.13
The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) has issued a position on energy drinks based on a critical analysis of the literature regarding safety and efficacy of the use of energy drinks (ED) and energy shots (ES).
While these products contain a number of nutrients that are purported to affect mental and/or physical performance, ISSN said, the primary ergogenic nutrients in most ED and ES appear to be carbohydrate and/or caffeine. And while the ergogenic value of caffeine on mental and physical performance has been established, the potential additive benefits of other nutrients contained in ED and ES remains undetermined.
Consuming ED 10-60 minutes before exercise can improve mental focus, alertness, anaerobic performance and/or endurance performance. Products that contain numerous ingredients merit further study to demonstrate their safety and potential effects on physical and mental performance. Athletes should consider the impact of ingesting high glycemic load carbohydrates on metabolic health, blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as the effects of caffeine and other stimulants on motor skill performance. Children and adolescents should only consider use of ED or ES with parental approval after consideration of the amount of carbohydrate, caffeine and other nutrients contained in these products and a thorough understanding of the potential side effects. Indiscriminant use of ED or ES, especially if more than one serving per day is consumed, may lead to adverse events and harmful side effects, according to the ISSN.
While these products contain a number of nutrients that are purported to affect mental and/or physical performance, ISSN said, the primary ergogenic nutrients in most ED and ES appear to be carbohydrate and/or caffeine. And while the ergogenic value of caffeine on mental and physical performance has been established, the potential additive benefits of other nutrients contained in ED and ES remains undetermined.
Consuming ED 10-60 minutes before exercise can improve mental focus, alertness, anaerobic performance and/or endurance performance. Products that contain numerous ingredients merit further study to demonstrate their safety and potential effects on physical and mental performance. Athletes should consider the impact of ingesting high glycemic load carbohydrates on metabolic health, blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as the effects of caffeine and other stimulants on motor skill performance. Children and adolescents should only consider use of ED or ES with parental approval after consideration of the amount of carbohydrate, caffeine and other nutrients contained in these products and a thorough understanding of the potential side effects. Indiscriminant use of ED or ES, especially if more than one serving per day is consumed, may lead to adverse events and harmful side effects, according to the ISSN.