From: International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinks
Ingredient | Potential ergogenic value | Scientific support |
---|---|---|
Caffeine | Stimulant. Increases metabolism and lipolysis [2, 8, 9, 61]. | Increases alertness, mood, cognitive function [2, 8, 9, 61]. Increases fat oxidation, spares glycogen utilization, improves exercise [7, 9–11, 62–65]. |
Guarana | Natural source of caffeine. Similar properties to caffeine. | Similar to caffeine effects. |
Green Tea Extract | Contains high amounts of caffeine and catechin polyphenols (e.g., epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG). Serves as antioxidant. Similar effects as caffeine [66, 67] | Some supportive evidence of increased metabolism [68–76]. Specific role at dosages found in ED is unknown. |
Synephrine | Alternative to ephedrine. Naturally derived from Citrus aurantium. Stimulant with less cardiovascular effects than ephedrine. Purported to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. | Evidence of a mild stimulant effect on metabolism and weight loss [77–82]. No known effects at dosages found in ED. |
Yerba mate | Contains three xanthines (caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline). Similar properties to caffeine | Similar to caffeine effects. Some supportive evidence [83–85] No known effects at dosages found in ED and ES. |
Yohimbine | Similar to caffeine effects. Effects at dosages found in ED are unknown. | |
Tyramine | Naturally-occurring monoamine derived from tyrosine. Acts as a catecholamine (dopamine, NE, Epi) releasing agent. Degraded to octopine. Increases blood pressure and can serve as neurotransmitter [91–93]. | Mild cardiovascular stimulant. Effects at dosages found in ED / ES are unknown. |
Vinpocetine | Alkaloid of vincamine extracted from periwinkle plant (Vinca) minor. Vasodilatory and memory enhancing properties [94, 95]. | No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES. |