Energy Drinks Offer More Than Just Caffeine

Ingredients like vitamins, plant extracts, and amino acids are common in energy drinks, but their benefits are unclear.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:39am

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Energy drinks often contain more than just caffeine, including vitamins, plant-based ingredients, and amino acids that brands claim can boost focus, stamina, and reduce fatigue. However, experts say there is little scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of these additional ingredients, and the effects are likely mostly due to the high caffeine content. Concerns remain about the potential risks of consuming high amounts of caffeine and other substances found in energy drinks, especially for certain populations.

Why it matters

Energy drinks have become increasingly popular, especially among younger consumers, but their safety and efficacy are still debated. Understanding what's in these beverages and the potential benefits and risks can help consumers make informed choices about their use.

The details

Energy drinks typically contain a variety of ingredients beyond just caffeine, such as B vitamins, plant-based chemicals like guarana and ginseng, and amino acids like taurine and L-theanine. Brands claim these additional ingredients can provide an extra energy boost, improve focus and stamina, and reduce fatigue. However, experts say the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, and the majority of the effects are likely due to the high caffeine content. Some of the other ingredients may even have negative health impacts, like increased blood pressure and heart palpitations, when combined with caffeine. Energy drinks also often contain high amounts of added sugar, which can contribute to a range of health issues.

  • Energy drink consumption has risen significantly in recent years, with about two-thirds of teens reporting drinking them at least occasionally.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently updated its recommendations to limit added sugars to no more than 10 grams per meal, advising consumers to avoid sugar-sweetened beverages like energy drinks.

The players

Joe Zagorski

A toxicologist and assistant professor at Michigan State University who is skeptical of the health claims made about energy drink ingredients beyond caffeine.

Dr. John Higgins

A cardiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston who researches energy drinks and their potential health impacts.

Dr. Anna Svatikova

A cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota who has conducted research on energy drinks and heart health.

Richard Bloomer

A professor and director of the Center for Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Research at the University of Memphis.

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What they’re saying

“I generally greet that with a healthy dose of skepticism.”

— Joe Zagorski, toxicologist and assistant professor

“the vast majority of the effects you'll get from an energy drink are because of the caffeine.”

— Joe Zagorski, toxicologist and assistant professor

“Combined with caffeine, some such ingredients can lead to adverse effects, like heart palpitations or increased blood pressure.”

— Dr. Anna Svatikova, cardiologist

“a can of sugar water with added caffeine.”

— Richard Bloomer, professor and director

What’s next

More long-term research is needed to fully understand the health impacts, both positive and negative, of the various ingredients found in energy drinks beyond just caffeine.

The takeaway

While energy drinks may provide a temporary boost in energy and alertness, their health benefits beyond caffeine are unproven, and they can pose risks like increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, and excess sugar intake. Consumers should be cautious about the claims made by energy drink brands and consider safer alternatives like coffee or tea.