By Becky Leonard Extension Educator/Family Consumer Sciences Spink County REDFIELD - I'm amazed sometimes at how many new drink products are on the market these days. You've probably noticed those bright colored cans on the shelf that look similar to soda drinks, with names such as "Full Throttle - Red Bull - even Monster." More than 500 new energy drinks launched worldwide this year and many of them promised to help people lose weight, increase muscle, and boost energy. Suzanne Stluka MS, RD, LN, SDSU Extension Nutrition Education Coordinator, shares some insight about the ingredients that are common in these energy drinks. What are energy drinks? Energy drinks are new beverages which contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients. Some of the things you may find in energy drinks include: Caffeine: This ingredient boosts energy and is found in large quantities in some energy drinks, with some drinks containing between 70 to 200 mg. (Need a comparison? A 12-ounce regular can of Coke provides 50 mg.) Most people experience side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, when they consume more than 200 mg. Caffeine can also contribute to dehydration if the water it uses in your body is not replenished. So it is not a good idea to consume energy drinks before, during or after athletic events; regular water is better! Taurine: An amino acid naturally produced by our bodies that helps to control heartbeat, muscle contractions, and energy levels. Our bodies produce enough naturally, so drinking extra amounts can cause the brain to become more excited. When used in combination with other energy ingredients such as caffeine, this can be dangerous. Guarana: Used to increase alertness and energy, this ingredient is two times stronger than caffeine. It may also be called "guaranine." The amount of caffeine found in guarana is not added into the total amount found on the label, so you don't know how much caffeine you really are getting! B Vitamins: These vitamins help our bodies convert substances, such as sugar, to energy. However, no research has shown that they do this in energy drinks. Watch out, because you can harm your body if you overload on these vitamins! Ginseng & Ginkgo Biloba: Also known as herbs, these products are not naturally created by your body. Caution - ingredients like these are not monitored by the government. L-Carnitine: An amino acid created naturally in our bodies by our liver and kidneys. This "inactive" form can hurt your activity levels. Eat a balanced diet by following MyPyramid and stay away from this addition to your energy drink. Sugars: Energy drinks often contain large amounts of sugar, which are carbohydrates. If you plan on exercising for longer than 60 minutes, an energy drink (such as Gatorade or Powerade) with a moderate amount of sugar will provide you with enough energy. If you are not exercising and consume these energy drinks, then this added sugar will not be used by your body and can make you gain weight. A high sugar level can cause a sudden crash in energy levels once the sugar quickly leaves the bloodstream! Antioxidants: These vitamins can be good for the body as they help to ward off illness (such as colds) and prevent cell damage. But this might be "too much of a good thing." You only need 100% of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E, or A in one day. Think about that before reaching for a 2nd drink! Think before you pop open an energy drink and ask yourself "Do I really know what is in this"? When you eat an orange, or an apple, you know what they contain; however, that is not always the case in energy drinks. Think before you drink!