Energy Drink Brands
Although all the various energy drink brands are similar, there are obviously some differences. All energy drinks must contain something that results in an energy boost, but there are various ways to achieve this effect. All of the energy drink brands experiment with their own unique mixtures of ingredients, adding higher concentrations of some and lower concentrations of others. Most energy drinks are carbonated drinks that contain caffeine and sugar with additional ingredients such as B vitamins, amino acids and herbal stimulants. While energy drinks usually target the 12 to 30 year old demographic, surveys show that energy drinks are just as popular with the over 35 age group, as well as senior citizens looking for quick energy boosts. The number of energy drink brands is actually much greater than people realize. Red Bull dominated the energy market for many years as one of the first energy drinks developed. Word of mouth has been a big part of Red Bull(c)s advertising, and as a result, many other products have yet to emerge from Red Bull(c)s shadow. Besides caffeine, vitamin B and herbs, other common ingredients are guarana, acai and taurine, plus various forms of ginseng, maltodextrin, carbonated water, inositol, carnitine, creatine, glucuronolactone and ginkgo biloba. Many energy drink brands offer low calorie and/or low caffeine versions. Energy drinks and their ingredients produce a variety of physiological and psychological effects. Two studies reported significant improvements in mental and cognitive performances as well as increased subjective alertness. During repeated cycling tests in healthy young adults, an energy drink significantly increased upper body muscle endurance.