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The New Energy - Liquid Crack In A Can

So you're low on energy and coffee doesn't cut it anymore? A popular alternative in liquid energy comes in small, bright cans, packing a big punch. Walk into any convenience or grocery store, and you'll see various brands of Red Bull, Adrenaline Rush, Full Throttle, and Monster Energy. They're a new breed of energy drinks, with stiff doses of caffeine, sugar, and a mixed bag of vitamins, amino acids and herbs.

Millions around the world consume them to receive that extra energy needed to survive the day. Bar hoppers mix them with vodka to party longer and students use them to pull all-night study sessions. Even athletes are hopping on the wagon as a boost to their performance.

But now they're being flagged by some health experts as a potential health danger. According to a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, these and other drinks can contain ingredients which stress the immune system if consumed excessively or over the long haul.

Unfounded Claims?

Red Bull, arguably the most popular energy drink worldwide, states that their formula is scientifically formulated to "provide energy, vitalize the mind, improve concentration and reaction time."

But many nutrition professionals remain unconvinced, noting that caffeine is the primary working ingredient. In a report last month, Consumer Reports on Health criticized energy drinks for having " 'extras' you don't need." The publication said these beverages "contain mostly sugar and caffeine, with other ingredients having little benefit or being untested."

Red Bull contains about 80 mg of caffeine per 8 ounce can. While this is more than double that of a Coca-Cola Classic, it's no more than your average cup of coffee. But now there's a new breed of these super charged liquid stallions, led by a drink called "Cocaine." Also available in an 8.4 ounce can, it contains a whopping 280 milligrams of caffeine. According to the company's Web site, the only way to get more caffeine per ounce is with an espresso.

A September 28, 2006 CBC article quoted Jamey Kirby, the drink's inventor, as saying "the beverage is 350 percent stronger than Red Bull. The "high" hits within five minutes, followed by an energetic, buzzed out ride fifteen minutes later, which lasts five to six hours."

With such an extreme high, this huge wallop of legal stimulants can be intense for anyone, especially kids. Of course energy drink manufacturers deny marketing to children, but the debate remains hot. The

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