Canned energy

Taurine is naturally found in seafood and meat and is believed to help detoxify and cleanse the system. Results from human studies published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine and Advances in Experimental Biology and Medicine have shown that very high concentrations of taurine helped lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. A recent study published in the journal Amino Acids also seems to show the benefits of taurine. They discovered that among a group of endurance athletes, those who had an energy drink containing taurine and glucuronolactone improved their performance, compared to those subjects who had energy drinks without caffeine, taurine or glucuronolactone. The SCF does not, however, have a position on whether or not the amount of taurine present in energy drinks is safe.

Glucuronolactone, like taurine, is supposed to detoxify the body. Very little research has been done on the effects, and the only relevant studies have been conducted on animals so the risk to humans cannot be adequately assessed. The SCF has determined that the body can cope with small quantities of glucuronolactone, but since the levels are much higher in energy drinks, the SCF has no position on this substance’s safety in energy drinks.
So, where do nutritionists stand on the matter?

‘Drinks that boost energy have a role in sports nutrition,’ says nutritionist Penny Hunking, an accredited sports dietitian and Managing Director of Energise Nutrition, a nutrition consulting business based in Surrey. She explains that the range of sugars present in products such as Red Bull can help raise energy levels, particularly if you aren’t eating regular nutritious meals or snacks. However, these drinks only provide a short-term fix and shouldn’t be relied upon to supply long-term energy. She also points out that people need to drink plenty of water when consuming energy drinks as the high levels of caffeine may cause dehydration.

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