A popular soft drink company is now marketing an “energy drink”. The ingredients include: sparkling water, sugar, dextrose, citric acid, phosphoric acid, natural flavorings, color (caramel E150d), acidity regulator (sodium bicarbonate), caffeine (0,03 %), preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate), vitamins (niacin (B3), vitamin B6), guarana extract (0.001%).* This compares to the regular soft drink, which includes: carbonated water, sugar, color (caramel E150d), phosphoric acid, natural flavorings including caffeine.* So, this bears to question, what is energy?
The ads suggest that the “energy drink” contains “energy” that is, presumably, not in the regular soft drink. However, the only energy in the drink is sugar. The additional vitamins (niacin and B6), guarana extract, and caffeine are not energy. Caffeine and guarana are stimulants that boost alertness (a perception on having more energy). Niacin and B6 help the body convert food to energy. These vitamins, however, can be found naturally in the foods we normally eat. So, the added ingredients don’t really add “energy”.
I am not a big fan of so-called energy drinks (as well as “pre-workouts”). I would prefer simply black—calorie-free—coffee.
Energy is measured in calories (1 calorie = the amount of food energy necessary to raise 1g of water 1-degree Celsius). Our energy comes from carbohydrates, fats, and (to a lesser degree) proteins. So, the difference between soft drink and soft drink “energy” isn’t energy but marketing.
Need energy? Eat a balanced (caloric-appropriate) diet with healthy carbohydrates—rather than sugar—timed to physical activity. Energy should fuel physical activity and not exceed the body’s needs. So, before consuming any “energy” drinks, get sufficient regular sleep, eat healthy, and exercise regularly.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
* https://www.coca-cola.ie/drinks/coca-cola