5 HOUR ENERGY SIDE EFFECTS
Tip
Healthy people can use 5-Hour Energy in moderation. If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, you should avoid it.
What Is 5-Hour Energy?
5-Hour Energy is a brand of energy “shots” that work as an energy drink. Unlike many products on the market, this one is positioned as a supplement. Supplements are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as food, not drugs.
According to the official 5-Hour Energy website, the regular strength ingredients include:
- Vitamins B6, B12 and B3 (Niacin)
- Energy blend: Citicoline, tyrosine, phenylalanine, taurine, malic acid, glucuronolactone and caffeine
- Choline
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Sucralose
A single 1.93 fluid ounce serving contains 30 milligrams of niacin, which is 188 percent of the daily recommended value. It also contains 40 milligrams of vitamin B6, which is 2,353 percent of the daily recommended value. When it comes to vitamin B12, it contains 500 micrograms accounting for 20,833 percent of the daily recommended value. It contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is comparable to a cup of coffee.
Directions for use indicate that you should not drink more than two shots per day, consumed several hours apart. If you opt to drink half the bottle, use or discard the remainder within three days of opening. Refrigeration is not required.
Is the Five-Hour Energy Drink Bad for You?
5 Hour Energy has become a popular beverage choice for many individuals, particularly for those who need an energy boost to stay alert and focused. While the occasional consumption of energy drinks may not pose a significant health risk, drinking them daily can have detrimental effects on your body.
The ingredients of 5-hour energy drink include caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, malic acid, N-acetyl L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, sucralose, citicoline, B-vitamins, and natural and artificial flavors. While some of these ingredients are naturally occurring in the body, the amounts present in energy drinks like 5-hour energy are much higher than what the body would typically produce.
Moreover, the high levels of synthetic caffeine in 5-hour energy (200+ mg) may lead to adverse health effects, including heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. The other ingredients, like taurine and glucuronolactone, have not been adequately studied, and their long-term effects on the body are not yet understood.
Here’s what happens to your body when you drink energy drinks every day:
- Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Energy drinks contain high levels of synthetic caffeine, which can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Drinking energy drinks daily can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, including irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure.
- Dehydration: Energy drinks can contain high levels of artificial sweeteners (sucralose) along with caffeine, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and decreased cognitive function.
- Weight Gain: The consumption of artificially sweetened beverages, such as energy drinks, can foster a liking for overly sweet flavors, reducing the desire for healthier alternatives naturally sweetened and possibly leading to an unbalanced diet and weight gain. The artificial sweetener sucralose has been linked to Type 2 diabetes by a British Medical Journal study.
- Tooth Decay: Energy drinks contain high levels of acid and artificial sweeteners, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay. Drinking them every day can lead to long-term dental problems.
- Insomnia: Energy drinks contain high levels of synthetic caffeine, which can interfere with sleep patterns. Drinking them every day can lead to insomnia and a lack of restful sleep.
- Addiction: Energy drinks can be addictive due to their high levels of synthetic caffeine and artificial sweeteners. Drinking them every day can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms if consumption is stopped suddenly.
- Headaches: When we drink energy drinks the synthetic caffeine causes the blood vessels in the brain to constrict. When you stop the caffeine intake, the blood vessels in the brain dilate. This increases the blood flow and can trigger a headache.
5 HOUR ENERGY SIDE EFFECTS ON YOUR KIDNEYS
Consuming energy drinks can have adverse effects on the kidneys. The high levels of caffeine present in these drinks can increase the workload of the kidneys, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The caffeine can also cause constriction of the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause damage over time. Additionally, energy drinks contain high levels of artificial sweeteners (sucralose), which may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for kidney disease. Therefore, it is essential to limit the consumption of energy drinks and ensure adequate hydration to protect the health of your kidneys.
NATURAL VS. SYNTHETIC CAFFEINE
Is 5 Hour Energy Bad For You: Natural caffeine, derived from plants such as cacao, guarana berries, and yerba mate, comes with a combination of vitamins and methylxanthines. These compounds work together to ensure a gradual and steady release of caffeine in the body. As a result, the energy boost provided lasts longer, enhancing mental clarity and focus.
Unlike synthetic caffeine, commonly found in energy drinks like 5 Hour Energy drink, the slow release of caffeine from natural sources can help minimize jitters and crashes. In contrast to synthetic caffeine, which may cause restlessness, sleep disturbances, and a flushed complexion, natural caffeine does not have these adverse effects. Moreover, natural caffeine possesses special antioxidant properties that could contribute to the prevention of heart disease and Alzheimer’s. While synthetic caffeine, often obtained from Chinese pharmaceutical plants, delivers immediate energy but leads to a quicker crash, natural caffeine provides sustained energy for an extended period.
ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS & NATURAL FLAVORS
Sucralose, an artificial sweetener found in 5 Hour Energy, raises concerns due to its association with various health issues, including gut bacteria disruption, increased appetite, weight gain, and potential negative impacts on blood sugar regulation. It may trigger an insulin response in the body, potentially leading to insulin resistance over time and an increased risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, consuming artificially sweetened drinks can create a preference for excessively sweet flavors, reducing the inclination for healthier, naturally sweetened alternatives and resulting in an imbalanced diet.
Additionally, artificial sweeteners have the capacity to disturb gut microbiota, impacting overall gut health and digestion. Therefore, exercising caution when consuming products containing synthetic additives and artificial sweeteners, such as those in 5 Hour Energy Drink, is crucial. It is important to understand the potential health effects and explore alternative options for the sake of overall well-being.
The inclusion of “natural flavors” in the ingredients of 5-hour energy has raised concerns, emphasizing the need for awareness regarding the potential side effects associated with this vague and potentially misleading term. While the term implies that the flavors are derived from natural sources, it lacks specific information about the ingredients and manufacturing process involved. The FDA defines natural flavors as substances derived from plant or animal matter but allows for the use of various synthetic processes and chemicals during production. This lack of transparency surrounding natural flavors raises concerns as it can obscure the use of artificial or chemically modified ingredients. In the case of 5-hour energy, a “natural flavor” could be created using high heat or chemicals, deviating from consumers’ perception of what is truly natural.
Furthermore, some natural flavors may originate from ingredients that are not safe for consumption in their natural form, such as specific essential oils or chemical extracts. While regulatory agencies generally consider natural flavors to be safe, individuals may still experience adverse reactions or allergies to these ingredients. To prioritize their well-being, consumers should be diligent in understanding the contents of what they consume and carefully scrutinize labels and ingredient lists before purchasing or consuming products that contain natural flavors. The presence of natural flavors in products like 5-hour Energy Drink underscores the importance of increased transparency and accountability in the food and beverage industry. Consumers have the right to know precisely what they are consuming, and companies should be held to higher standards regarding the quality and safety of their products.
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES TO 5 HOUR ENERGY DRINK
If you are looking for a healthy alternative to 5 Hour Energy Shots, filtered water is an excellent choice. Not only does it hydrate your body and keep you alert and focused, but it also helps remove contaminants from your drinking water.
Filtered water is free from harmful chemicals, pollutants, and toxins that can be found in unfiltered tap water. It also has a clean, refreshing taste that can satisfy your thirst without the need for added sugars or flavors.
In addition to filtered water, there are several other healthy alternatives to energy drinks for adults:
- Green Tea: Green tea made with filtered water is a natural source of caffeine and antioxidants. It can boost energy levels and improve mental alertness without the negative side effects of energy drinks.
- Fresh Fruit Juice: Fresh fruit juice (from a juicer) is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can provide a natural energy boost and help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Coconut Water: Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, which can help rehydrate your body and boost energy levels. It also contains potassium and magnesium, which can help improve muscle function and prevent cramps.
- Herbal Tea: Herbal teas made with filtered water such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger can provide a calming effect and help reduce stress and anxiety. They also have a variety of health benefits and can boost energy levels without the use of caffeine.
- Black Coffee: Black coffee made with filtered water contains caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and can increase energy levels. Black coffee is also a low-calorie beverage that can help with weight management, as long as it is consumed in moderation and without added sugar or cream. It could be a good alternative to the highly processed energy drinks on the market today.
WHAT HAPPENS IF KIDS DRINK 5 HOUR ENERGY DRINK?
Letting kids drink energy drinks with caffeine can be dangerous for their health. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety, especially in children whose bodies are still developing.
Additionally, energy drinks often contain high amounts of sugar and other ingredients that can contribute to weight gain and dental problems for children. Furthermore, caffeine can interfere with a child’s sleep, which can negatively impact a child’s cognitive and emotional development. It’s important for parents to monitor their child’s caffeine intake and limit their consumption of energy drinks to protect their health and well-being.
5 Hour Energy Ingredients: Energy Blend: Taurine, Glucuronic Aid (as or from Glucuronolactone), Malic Acid, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine, Caffeine (230 mg), Citicoline. Other Ingredients: Purified Water, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate and EDTA (to Protect Freshness).
Drink | Caffeine Per Serving |
Organic Coffee (cup) *for reference | 95 mg |
Organic Green Tea (cup) *for reference | 30-50 mg |
5 Hour Energy Regular Strength | 200 mg/per bottle |
5 Hour Energy Extra Strength | 230 mg/per bottle |
5-Hour Energy Side Effects
Caffeine is a stimulant, so it’s important to limit consumption from other sources if you use these energy shots. 5-Hour Energy side effects are worse for those who use the energy shots alongside other products that contain caffeine. 5-Hour Energy side effects include:
- Nervousness
- Sleeplessness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Niacin flush
These side effects are similar to what you’d experience with other energy drinks because of the high vitamin and caffeine content.
A small-scale June 2014 study with 14 subjects published in the Journal of Caffeine Research revealed that consuming one energy shot only results in a modest benefit to the subjective state, or being aware of yourself and your surroundings. The energy shot didn’t alter objective performance, which worsened over time. Consuming the energy shot increased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
An April 2017 study published in the _Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research _showed that 5-Hour Energy consumption increased blood pressure rather significantly at 30 and 60 minutes after consumption. At the 30 minute mark, it had also significantly increased heart rate. However, Monster energy drink had a stronger effect on both than 5-Hour Energy.
Read more: Why Diet Energy Drinks Are Bad for You
5-Hour Energy Alternatives
If you’d rather use something healthier than 5-Hour Energy, there are a few healthy energy drinks you can rely on. The active ingredient in the energy shots, regardless of flavor or strength, is the B vitamins. Rather than dealing with the synthetic vitamins that are often part of the drink, you can get an even better effect with natural ones from fruits and vegetables made into a green juice.
According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, vitamins B6 and B12 may indirectly boost cognitive function by lowering levels of homocysteine. High levels of the homocysteine protein have been linked to cognitive decline and dementia.
More research is necessary to determine that supplementation can slow cognitive decline. You can find B6 in dark leafy greens, oranges, bananas and papayas. You can find B12 in eggs, red meat, fish, poultry and dairy.
The Mayo Clinic says niacin is a B vitamin your body makes and uses to turn food into energy. You can also get it from milk, meat and cereal grains. Most people get enough from their diet and don’t need any kind of supplementation, though it’s often a part of multivitamins.
Is Taking Two 5-Hour Energy Drinks in 24 Hours Dangerous?
The 5-Hour Energy drink is an extremely popular type of caffeinated energy shot. Rather than being a full-sized energy drink, 5-Hour Energy products are tiny — each serving is less than 2 ounces. Two 5-Hour Energy shots in a day are the maximum amount of energy drink recommended by the manufacturer. Taking the maximum amount of a product high in caffeine can result in potentially dangerous side effects.
5-Hour Energy Shots
5-Hour Energy is a caffeinated beverage like Red Bull or Monster. This product is particularly popular among young people and athletes. Just like other popular energy drinks, 5-Hour Energy products are available in a variety of types. You can choose from flavors like berry, citrus, grape, orange, pink lemonade and pomegranate.
Unlike other energy drinks, 5-Hour Energy is an energy shot. This means that, even though the size is a lot smaller, it still packs the same amount of caffeine (or more) into a standard serving. According to Living Essentials Marketing, the manufacturers of 5-Hour Energy shots, there are 200 milligrams of caffeine in each 1.93-ounce bottle. The caffeine content is apparently comparable to that in a high-quality cup of coffee.
Just because the serving is small doesn’t mean you need to drink the entire bottle in one go. You can choose to drink half for moderate energy, or a whole bottle for maximum energy. In 24 hours, energy products like 5-Hour Energy should be consumed with caution. Living Essentials Marketing recommends a maximum of two shots per day.
Energy Shots vs. Energy Drinks
Energy shots and energy drinks are similar, but tend to have different amounts of the same ingredients. Monster Energy drink products, for example, contain between 70 to 80 milligrams of caffeine per serving. Since they’re so big, this equals a total of 140 to 187 milligrams for most of their products. Half a serving of 5-Hour Energy has 100 milligrams of caffeine, and a full serving has 200 milligrams. If you’re concerned about the side effects of caffeine, you may want to stay away from high-caffeine products like 5-Hour Energy and opt for a product with less caffeine.
The United States Department of Agriculture Branded Food Products Database states that products like Monster Energy drinks are primarily made of carbonated water, natural flavoring or concentrated juices, taurine, ginseng extract and caffeine. Monster Energy drink products typically contain vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
5-Hour Energy shots also contain ingredients like taurine and vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) and vitamin B12. These products contain few vitamins, but each drink has 100 percent or more of your daily recommended amount. In fact, it has 2,000 percent of your daily recommended amount of vitamin B6 and over 8,000 percent of your daily recommended amount of vitamin B12.
Read More: Top 10 Beverages to Avoid
Energy Drink Side Effects
Energy drinks can cause side effects occurring in response to amount used and frequency of use. For example, while two 5-Hour Energy shots within 24 hours is safe, two consumed at the same time could be dangerous. Side effects can include energy crashes, headaches and heart palpitations. If you’re taking several 5-Hour Energy shots a day, you’re likely to have problems.
Some side effects are long-term or serious. Products like 5-Hour Energy, overused, can destroy tooth enamel. More severe side effects, like seizures and kidney injury, can also occur. People can even die from high caffeine consumption. The fatal amount of caffeine for an adult is 150 to 200 milligrams for each kilogram of body weight, although life-threatening side effects occur at much lower amounts. You wouldn’t get this from two 5-Hour Energy drinks, but from products like caffeine pills, 5-Hour Energy shots and other caffeine-rich products together.
In general, energy shots and drinks are safe to consume in moderation. Consuming them regularly, however, or drinking too much at one time can cause problems. Children, pregnant people, and other risk groups may want to avoid these products entirely.
Is 5 Hour Energy Bad for Your Health? Risks
Discover the risks of consuming popular energy drinks like 5 hour energy and explore a healthier alternative with Ethan’s Clean Energy Shots.
Energy and sports drinks are among the top beverages in the U.S. They line shelves with promises that appeal to youth and athletes. Despite their reviews, questions have surfaced about 5-Hour Energy Shots. Are these drinks safe? Should we take them at all? You can find out here.
5-Hour Energy is like the Brad Pitt of energy shots. The bright, familiar label exudes intensity. Although the ingredient list is often overlooked, it’s the most important factor in deciding whether or not a drink is good for you.
In this article, we’ll shed light on non-organic supplements and how drinking them may affect you.
Exposing Hidden Risks
Feeling sluggish? Energy shots sound like the perfect strength and stamina boost. But that extra spark may come with unwholesome effects.
Additives and artificial sugars are often concealed on labels. Processed sugars are hidden behind titles like sucralose or maltodextrin. Clinical Dietician Alix Slayter told Samaritan Health, “Excess sugar not only leads to… tooth decay but can contribute to other chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, and more,”
- Ethan’s Tip: Always read ingredient labels. This gives you an opportunity to assess food items and their nutritional value.
Caffeine packs a vitalizing punch to sharpen your focus. However, per Mayo Clinic the untold story about caffeine is how overdrinking can cause headaches, restlessness, and hike blood pressure (2). Could 5-Hour Energy be a bottle of anxiety?
Ethan’s Clean Energy Shots are Healthier
Is Drinking 5-Hour Energy Bad for You?