The International Society of Sports Nutrition’s position statement on energy drinks[1] suggests that the main ergogenic (athletic enhancing) ingredients are caffeine and sugar. Caffeine provides mental focus, alertness, and improves performance while sugar provides quick energy. A review confirms this position and presents some evidence to support improvements in cognitive performance from energy drinks, but suggests there are adverse effects (metabolic, dental, sleep, stress, and more) that may outweigh the positives.
References
- ^Campbell B, Wilborn C, La Bounty P, Taylor L, Nelson MT, Greenwood M, Ziegenfuss TN, Lopez HL, Hoffman JR, Stout JR, Schmitz S, Collins R, Kalman DS, Antonio J, Kreider RBInternational Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinksJ Int Soc Sports Nutr.(2013 Jan 3)