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Table 5 Other potential ergogenic nutrients contained in energy drinks that may affect performance

From: International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinks

Ingredient

Potential ergogenic value

Scientific support

Panax Ginseng

Contains ginsenosides which are purported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Purported to enhance perceptions of energy, increase stamina and improve nitrogen balance [96].

Most well-controlled research does not support the ergogenic effects for ginseng [97–111]. No known effects at dosages found in ED and ES.

L-Carnitine

Involved in shuttling long chain fatty acids into mitochondria. Purported to promote lipolysis [112].

Limited supportive ergogenic value in athletes or on weight loss [112]. No known effects at dosages found in ED and ES.

D-Ribose

Involved in ATP synthesis. Theoretically, D-ribose supplementation can increase ATP availability.

Some evidence of improved exercise capacity in clinical populations [113] but limited evidence that high dose ribose supplementation affects exercise capacity [114–119]. No known effects at dosages found in ED and ES.

Beta Alanine

Increases muscle carnosine levels, increases muscle buffering, and attenuates fatigue during high intensity exercise [120–124].

Growing scientific evidence of improved anaerobic capacity (2-4 g/d) [125–138]. No known effects at dosages found in ED and ES.

Inositol

Carbohydrate that is not classified as sugar. Involved in insulin signaling, nerve transmission, serotonin modulation, and fat oxidation [139].

No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES.

Citrulline Malate

Optimizes blood flow via arginine-nitric oxide pathway; purported to reduce fatigue and buffer acidity during exercise [140, 141].

Some evidence that high dosages (e.g., 6 – 8 g) can affect exercise capacity and/or anabolism [142–149]. No known effects at dosages found in ED and ES.

Quercetin

Reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-modulatory effects [150].

Several studies indicate that Quercetin supplementation (e.g., 1 g/d for 7 d) increases maximal aerobic capacity and time to fatigue [151–166]. No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES.