Energy Drinks…are they

a boost or a bust?

Catherine Kling NourseMorrison Chartwells Dietetic InternFebruary 21, 2013

Objectives

To discuss history and evolution of energy drinks

To evaluate the ingredient and nutrient content of a sample energy drink

To offer an alternative to energy drinks

Which statement best describes your use of energy drinks?

A. I have never tried an energy drink.B. I drink an energy drink occasionally.C. I drink an energy drink whenever I need

a “boost” of energy.D. I drink an energy drink almost every

day.

Energy Drinks DefinitionFlavored beverages containing:

• *caffeine • taurine• creatine• sugar• guarana• other herbal supplements• vitamins*99% of all energy drinks contain caffeine in varying amounts

Energy Drinks Through the Years

1st created in Asia Marketed as a medicinal tonic Gained popularity in Europe in the 1980s Introduced in the US in 1997 Increased sales 61% in 2005 Originally targeted traditional college-age population From 2010 marketed to Boomer Consumers Safety of Energy Drinks under debate

Sports Drinks vs. Energy Drinks Attempt to mirror body’s

electrolyte/carbohydrate composition

Claim to replenish losses that occur with exercise

Highly caffeinated Claim to increase mental

and/or physical stamina from other ingredients

Caffeine Comparison

Coffee Tea Soda Energy Drinks

020406080

100120

Typical Serving Size

Energy Boost from Energy Drinks? Caffeine can provide a temporary energy boost But other side effects:

Energy drinks that contain sugar may contribute to weight gain Excess caffeine can also contribute to:

Nervousness Irritability Insomnia Rapid heartbeat Increased blood pressure http://

www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/12/the-buzz-on-energy-drink-caffeine/index.htm

Not recommended for individuals with heart disease and/or high blood pressure

Other options: adequate sleep, physical activity, healthy diet*

*Healthy Diet Components of a healthy diet:

• Protein• Grains• Fruits• Vegetables • Dairy• Water

Superfood(s) consumption: a food with high nutrient(s) content that may confer health benefits Examples: blueberries, salmon, soy, dark chocolate, yogurt

February Superfood: YogurtGoal: 3 to 5 servings a weekWhat it does:

Some evidence linked to— Increased bone health Reduced problems associated with IBS Decreased risk of stomach ulcers, vaginal infections, and

breast cancer How to choose:

Low fat yogurt with live cultures: Lactobacillus acidophilus

Opt for plain and add your own fruit and/or nuts

Yogurt Varieties Upstate Farms (peach nonfat)

180 calories, 6 grams of protein 0 grams of fat, 600 mg calcium

Dannon Light and Fit (strawberry banana nonfat)80 calories, 5 grams of protein,

0 grams of fat, 150 mg of calcium)

Yogurt Varieties

Chobani Greek Yogurt (plain, low-fat) 130 calories, 17 grams of protein 2 grams of fat, 400 mg calcium

Frozen Yogurt (Cold Stone Creamery Plain Tart)170 calories, 5 grams of protein,

0 grams of fat, 300 mg of calcium)

Monster Energy Analysis16 ounce can (2 servings) Ingredients: carbonated water, sucrose, glucose,

citric acid, natural flavors, taurine, sodium citrate, panax ginseng, root extract, L-carnitine, caffeine, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, niaciamide, sodium chloride, guarana seed extract, pyroxidine, hydrochloride, sucralose, riboflavin, maltodextrin, cyanocobalamin

Results of a nutrient analysis include:• 100 calories• 27 grams of sugar• B vitamins (niacin, pyroxidine, riboflavin, B12)• 80 milligrams (mg) caffeine

Price: $2.99

Fruit Smoothie Analysis8 ounces (1 serving) Ingredients: lowfat yogurt, bananas, fresh or frozen berries—

blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries Results of a nutrient analysis include:

• 174 calories• 7 grams of protein• 242 mg calcium• 0 mg caffeine• Vitamins A and C

Price: $1.79

Drink This, Not ThatAn Energy Boost:

Monster Energy vs. Yogurt SmoothieDrink This: Yogurt Smoothie (174 calories, 7 grams of protein, 242 mg calcium, 0 mg caffeine)

Not That: Monster Energy (100 calories, 27 grams of sugar, 0 grams protein, 80 mg caffeine)

Price Comparison: $1.45 per serving for Monster Energy $1.79 per serving for Fruit Smoothie

Q and A

Q1: How many people think that the traditionally marketed energy

drinks are a real boost?

Q2: Does anyone have any questions or comments?

Q3: Who would like to sample some Greek yogurt?

Thank You!