Sports drinks vs. energy drinks

Sports drinks vs. energy drinks: Energy drinks are NOT the same as sports drinks. A sports drink is designed to replace water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes during training and competition, and it usually contains no caffeine. An energy drink, on the other hand, has a blend of caffeine and other ingredients including taurine, guarana, and glucuronolactone*^ that are used as stimulants on the central nervous system.

Safety concerns associated with over-consumption of energy drinks: Energy drinks can be dangerous because the amount of caffeine varies greatly by brand, with some having the caffeine content equivalent to 14 cans of soda^. Although it may be easy to attribute all of the negative effects to caffeine, the effect of combining certain stimulants is still unclear and requires more research.

A disturbing trend has emerged where energy drinks are mixed with alcohol.This poses serious potential health consequences when the energy drink masks the effect of alcohol. Of course, athletes should also keep in mind that excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous, unhealthy and can negate some of the postive effects of training.

Sources:
* Higgins JP, Tuttle TD, Higgins CL. Energy beverages: content and safety. Mayo Clin Proc. Nov 2010;85(11):1033-1041.
^ Sports drinks and energy drinks for children and adolescents: are they appropriate? Pediatrics. Jun 2011;127(6):1182-1189.