From: International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinks
Ingredient | Potential ergogenic value | Scientific support |
---|---|---|
Taurine | Improved mental focus, concentration, serve as antioxidant, glucose homeostasis [21–24] | |
Gingko Biloba | Improve memory and mental concentration | Some supportive evidence on memory (e.g., 120 mg/d) [36–39]. No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES. |
L-Tyrosine | Prevents depletion of catecholamines, may ameliorate declines in cognition with acute stress [40–47] | Some supportive evidence on cognition (e.g., 2 g/d, 150 mg acute ingestion with cold exposure) [41, 43, 46, 48, 49]. No effects on performance capacity [42, 50]. No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES. |
Citicoline | Intermediate in the generation of phosphatidylcholine from choline. Increase dopamine receptor densities and delay memory impairment [51, 52]. | Some supportive evidence with large doses (8.5 g prior to and during exercise) and in fed animals [52]. No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES. |
5-Hydroxy-L-Trypotophan (5-HTP) | Precursor to serotonin [53, 54]. Purported antidepressant, appetite suppressant, & sleep aid [53, 55–58]. | Some evidence in treatment of depression [53, 55–58]and 5-HT fed animals on muscle performance [54, 59, 60]. Role on exercise performance at dosages found in ED and ES is unknown. |
St. John’s Wort | Some supportive evidence [56–58]. No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES. |