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Chemistry behind energy drinks
- Vatsala Jain
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Since 1987, a phenomenon very similar to coffee has been growing since 1987 and became a multibillion-dollar industry. If you guessed it right, it’s the modern energy drink. In 1987, Red Bull was invented in Austria, and since then, it has quickly established a foothold in grocery stores and gas stations. Like coffee, energy drinks allow individuals to ignore their own fatigue or tiredness and keep on going. Have you ever wondered what are the implications of energy drink consumption, or how your fatigue is washed away? Keep reading!
Key Ingredients in Energy Drinks
What manufacturers call an “energy blend” is made up of caffeine and other ingredients like taurine, glucuronolactone, guarana, and B vitamins in energy drinks.
Caffeine
It is an antagonist of adenosine, a compound that promotes feelings of tiredness and sleepiness. This means that it blocks adenosine receptors, preventing adenosine from binding to them. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases the activity of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline making you feel much more energetic. It is the most common stimulant in such drinks, with most EBs containing between 70 and 200 mg of caffeine per 16-oz serving.
Sugar and Sweeteners
These are also the main ingredients in energy drinks, as it boosts the flavour and gives a quick energy boost. Sugar, in the form of sucrose or glucose, is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a rapid spike in blood glucose levels. This provides for the sudden energy boost needed. Our bodies break down glucose through the process of cellular respiration. A typical energy drink contains about 13 teaspoons, or just more than ¼ cup, of sugar.
Taurine
In 1827, taurine was originally isolated from bull semen, although now it is produced synthetically. Taurine is an amino acid (molecules that help build protein) mostly found in meat and rarely in animals. It is even sold as a supplement to body builders wishing to build their muscles. It plays role in cardiovascular function, bile formation and the central nervous system, regulating the amount of calcium and reducing inflammation
Taurine is mostly added in energy drinks for energy production (although there isn’t a clear reason for its presence). Energy drinks may contain up to 1,000 mg of taurine per 8-oz serving.
B-Vitamins
B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12 are the vitamins usually added to energy drinks. Their major role is energy metabolism. Energy release and storage enzymes require them as functional parts These are water soluble vitamins and thus they can easily pass out of the system leaving no toxins behind. Energy drinks can therefore contain amounts well above the recommended daily allowance without harming the body.
Other Ingredients
Other ingredients that may be present in energy drinks are:
Glucuronolactone - It is naturally found in small amounts in the body and it supports its natural defence mechanism for eliminating carcinogens and tumour promoters and their effects. It may help amplify caffeine’s properties.
Guarana - Guarana seeds contain more caffeine than any other plant in the world, with levels ranging from 2% to 8% and have been used by the Amazonians to increase awareness and energy.
Ginseng - It increases energy and relieves stress; however, the amounts of ginseng found in EBs are far below the amounts expected to deliver therapeutic benefits or cause adverse events.
Here is a Comparison of Ingredients in Energy Drinks that you can have a further look at.
How Energy Drinks Affect the Body Chemically
The overall result of drinking an energy drink is that it makes you feel more active and energised. By blocking adenosine receptors, caffeine molecules prevent adenosine from slowing down cell activity. As a result of nerve stimulation, epinephrine (adrenaline) is released, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles. Glucose is also released into the bloodstream by the liver, providing a readily accessible energy source for the skin and organs.Safer Alternatives
If you are willing to let go of those energy drinks and pick up alternatives, here are some that you might be able to choose from:
Flavoured water
Fruit juice or smoothies
Flavoured milk
Lemon water
Regular tea, coffee or hot chocolate with minimal sugar
Sports Drinks
References
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