How do energy drinks work?

Energy drinks contain functional ingredients which have a beneficial effect on the human body.

Caffeine is the characteristic ingredient in energy drinks. Its stimulating effect has been recognized for centuries. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which is the risk assessment body for food and feed safety in the European Union, positively assessed health claims for caffeine relating to increased alertness, attention, endurance performance, endurance capacity and reduction in the rated perceived exertion/effort during exercise.

Energy drinks usually contain different combinations of vitamins which have beneficial health effects. Thus, EFSA positively assessed health claims for some B-group vitamins relating to their contribution to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Furthermore, pantothenic acid – also being a member of the B-group vitamins – contributes to normal mental performance.

It is the mixture of stimulating and functional ingredients, which makes energy drinks functional beverages, delivering a beneficial effect for those who want to be active. Energy drinks are available in various formulas to meet consumers’ needs.