Energy drinks and smart drinks

Energy drinks

Energy drinks, also known as "dietary carbohydrate exercise drinks", are designed for athletes (Isostar, Extran, Gatorade...). 

They are used to combat dehydration caused by physical effort, and to provideenergy in the form of fast-absorbing sugars to support the athlete immediately, and slow-digesting sugars for endurance. They also contain vitamins (B and C) and mineral salts (or electrolytes) to stimulate thirst. 

If you exercise intensively for more than an hour, these drinks can help rehydrate you. Otherwise, water is more than enough. Too high a concentration of carbohydrates can cause cramps and stomach problems.     You can prepare your "homemade" energy drink by mixing 500 ml fruit juice, 500 ml water and 1 tsp salt. You'll get roughly the same composition as the leading brands of energy drink.

Energy drinks

Energy drinks such as Red Bull contain, in addition to a high dose of caffeine, taurine and glucuronolactone: little-known products banned in several countries for public health reasons (e.g. Canada).

Taurine is found in these drinks in concentrations 10 times higher than in normal food. Its effects on the body are not well known. What's more, there's no evidence that taurine is a real energizer.

Taurine is known to be involved in certain processes, but its exact role and mechanism of action in these processes are unclear. The influence of high doses of taurine on these processes is also unknown. The problem is the same for glucuronolactone, which has been studied even less than taurine: there is no scientific information to suggest that the dose contained in energy drinks is safe. Even more annoyingly, the interactions between caffeine, taurine and glucuronolactone are unknown. And if these products are taken at the same time as alcohol, medication or illicit drugs, they can "shake things up" quite a bit, especially in combination with physical exercise and dehydration due to sweating (dancings).

Les smart-drinks

Smart-drinks are cocktails overdosed with vitamins, trace elements, mineral salts and amino acids, sold mainly in nightclubs, usually in a bottle of fruit juice. They are supposed to help overcome fatigue and resist sleep, boost sexual energy, intelligence and memory, and so on.

In Belgium, the addition of ephedrine (a stimulant) is forbidden, but there is a parallel market. So be careful, don't let yourself be offered just any drink.

The herbs and plants used in some soft drinks are not without danger. Kava kava can cause liver disorders and depression (it is banned in Belgium in foodstuffs). Guarana and Echinacea are not recommended for pregnant women, as they can cause kidney and heart problems. Ginkgo biloba can cause bleeding and should not be taken by people with epilepsy. Ginseng increases blood pressure and nervousness. Plants are not necessarily good for you.