Ingredients for Energy Efficacy

There are obviously some high-profile ingredients in the energy market, and some studies have shown benefits to mental performance and alertness after consuming energy drinks. A study involving 36 adults consuming Red Bull Energy Drink found consumption significantly improved aerobic and anaerobic performance during exercise, and significantly improved mental performance, including concentration and memory.¹ Another trial found consuming an energy drink containing caffeine, taurine and glucuronolactone could improve reaction time in sleepy adults.²

Caffeine is undoubtedly the best-known ingredient in energy products. WebMD noted moderate intake of caffeine can improve alertness, concentration and energy, and may improve immune function and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer.³ In a meta-analysis of studies on energy drinks, London researchers concluded studies show such products benefit cognitive performance, but attributed the findings primarily to the presence of caffeine, suggesting further investigation is needed as to the benefits of the other ingredients in the products.⁴

However, there are also possible side effects, including nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness and stomach upset, particularly when caffeine is consumed in large quantities. To address rising consumer concerns about the health effects of caffeine, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) developed an online education course on the topic.⁵ The course includes a comparison of the amount of caffeine in different foods and beverages, and a review of the health impacts of caffeine, noting moderation is key to realize benefits.

At the same time, consumers are looking for more “natural” ingredients, a demand which has driven the inclusion of caffeine-containing botanicals in energy products. Green tea, the unfermented dried leaves of Camilla sinensis, delivers beneficial polyphenols as well as natural caffeine, and exerts benefits including weight management⁶ and cancer prevention.⁷ Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a rainforest vine domesticated in the Amazon for its caffeine-rich fruits; it has been used as a tonic and became a national soda in Brazil in the early 1900s.⁸ Maté, also known as yerba maté, is also sourced from South America, and was traditionally used as a stimulant, diuretic and eupeptic tonic, effects attributed to its natural xanthene alkaloids.⁹ And cola, or kola nut, native to West Africa, also contains methylxanthine alkaloids; the nuts were traditionally chewed for stimulant effects and as an appetite suppressant.¹⁰

Other botanicals appear to bolster energy levels without serving up caffeine. Bob Green, Nutratech Inc., said his company is seeing increasing interest in thermogenic compounds, including bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), which Nutratech supplies as Advantra Z®. “Thermogenesis increases the resting metabolic rate and the rate at which fat is released from body stores and broken down to help burn calories,” Green said. “That, in turn, helps generate sustained energy.”

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