by Beverley Francis

Created on: July 27, 2009   Last Updated: July 28, 2009

Energy drinks promise things like weight loss, increased stamina, mental alertness and endurance and with their rise in popularity there were 500 new energy drinks introduced worldwide in 2006. Simmons, a consumer research group, estimates that over 30 percent of teens in the US drink these energy drinks. Here are some things you should know about these popular drinks.

Energy drinks are usually sold in cans that are up to 40 percent smaller than soda cans and have at least four times the amount of caffeine as a regular cola. Most of these drinks have between 80 to 300mg of caffeine for every eight ounces, one cup of coffee has about 80mg.

Energy drinks claim to be made with natural ingredients, while many are safe and effective on their own, these drinks may contain amounts above the recommended dosage. This, combined with ingredients that are similar or cause a similar reaction, can result in an overdose.

Some of the ingredients found in energy drinks:

B-vitamins - helps the body to convert sugars, improves muscle tone and increases energy. Combined with other stimulants could lead to overstimulation.

Ginseng - has been used for centuries because of its health benefits but it is also a stimulant and when combined with other stimulants can lead to and overdose.

Glucuronolactone - a stimulate that is thought to fight fatigue. Most energy drinks contain twice(or more) the maximum dose.

Guarana - a stimulant that contains twice the caffeine as coffee beans. There are no regulations limiting amounts of this substance like there are for caffeine.

Taurine - is an amino acid that helps regulate water levels, mineral salts, helps control muscle contractions, including heart beat, and influences the central nervous system. It also affects pain sensation, the ability to regulate heat and the excretion of hormones. Energy drinks usually have high doses of Taurine.

Different drinks use different ingredients so you should check the can itself to know exactly what you are drinking. Sugar is another common ingredient and each energy drink can have up to one quarter of a cup in every eight ounces.

The natural ingredients on their own are known for their health and healing potential but there have been no studies done on the effects of combining these ingredients and their long-term consumption.

When you consider that many studies have shown caffeine to be toxic to children in adult doses, you should be aware of what your kids are drinking and help them to choose a safer alternative.

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