Energy drinks and liquid enhancers can help you reach your peak performance during your workout, and many bodybuilders and other athletes make them a regular part of their routines. Energy drinks often include a variety of natural and herbal extracts that can increase circulation, improve blood flow, and can even carry aminfo acids to muscles for recovery. Finding the right set of ingredients to support your health goals is important, but not all supplements are valuable to everyone. Determining which energy drink fits with your goals and lifestyle is important, and taking note of key ingredients will help you see which supplements are best for your body.

Types of Energy Drinks

Sports drinks, protein powders, and caffeine-enhanced tonics are all ways to increase your natural energy level and may make a difference during a workout. Some simply offer a caffeine boost that helps increase blood flow to the brain and muscles and works as a stimulant. Others contain a mixture of proteins and amino acids to help fuel muscles both during and after a workout. These are designed to lower your lactic acid levels so that you experience less burning, cramping, and stress during training.

Other energy drinks use a combination of energy-boosting ingredients such as ginseng and guarana. These are often included as part of a caffeine mix and can help supply extra energy.

Energy drinks enhanced with complex carbohydrates and electrolytes can help your body maintain a steady level of energy. These are designed to reduce fatigue during exercise, and can give you the extra edge to compete longer and harder.

Energy drinks may also help with fat loss and weight management, especially when used in combination with a steady exercise program. Fat-burning formulas may include caffeine, guarana, and other supplements that can improve performance.

Ingredient-Panel Decoder

Energy drinks are available in a variety of forms and combinations, and each ingredient has a specific function. Some key ingredients found in energy drinks are:

• Caffeine, for energy and to serve as a stimulant.


• Guarana, another natural stimulant.


• Ginseng, a natural energy booster.


• Green barley grass, which is rich in amino acids and minerals.


• Adaptogenic herbs, which may help improve immunity.


• Eicosanoids, to balance and control the body’s hormonal system.


• L-Polylactate, to manage lactic acid production and minimize muscle soreness.


• Synephrine, a thermogenic and energy-boosting compound.


• DL-phenylalanine for increased mental power.


• L-tyrosine, for dopamine release and easier brain receptor recovery.

Potential Dangers

Since many energy drinks act as stimulants, it’s important to make note of dosage levels and how the drinks may be affecting your heart rate and respiration. Since caffeine is a diuretic, frequent use of energy drinks can cause dehydration, so it’s essential to drink enough water and other fluids throughout any training and supplement period.

While many energy drinks claim to be all-natural, it’s important to consider the potent effects of herbs and extracts. Herbs such as guarana, ginseng, and taurine can have powerful side effects, including the inability to sleep, excessive sweating, or—if you aren’t drinking enough water—muscle cramping. To learn more about combining energy drinks with strenuous exercise, see this article.

Still, energy drinks can help enhance performance and reduce physical fatigue when combined with a healthy diet and adequate rest.

—Sabah Karimi