While 5-Hour Energy’s website does not list the exact amount of caffeine in their products, the company claims each 2-ounce energy shot contains “caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee.” However, according to the company’s founder and CEO, Manoj Bhargava, the average 5-Hour Energy drink contains a little less than 200 mg of caffeine. Overall, energy drinks like this one play absolutely no role in your daily consumption of liquids. As long as you’re healthy, energy should come from a balance of diet, exercise and rest. More from Fox: 5-Hour Energy CEO Denies Reports Of Fatal Risks A lot of these drinks have stimulants, which can increase your heart rate, increase your blood pressure and stimulate your central nervous system. Realizing these potential side effects, there are people who should never be consuming energy drinks under any circumstances. Patients with the following conditions should steer clear of 5-Hour Energy and other highly caffeinated beverage at all times:
People with cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, a history of myocardial infraction (MI), or a history of arrhythmiaPeople who have problems with their gastrointestinal tract, especially those with ulcers or irritable bowel syndromePeople with severe liver problems, especially patients who have cirrhosis of the liver, either due to alcohol abuse or hepatitisPeople who have kidney failure, especially those on dialysis or people with chronic kidney disease due to severe diabetesPeople with a history of panic attacks
Along with these groups of individuals, I’m also extremely concerned with young people taking these products. First of all, energy drinks can interfere with sleep patterns, which are very important to maintain—especially for kids. I’m very worried about young athletes using these energy drinks as well. Caffeine is a diuretic and makes you dehydrated, which can alter electrolytes and ultimately put a young heart at risk for an arrhythmia. More from Fox: Lawmakers Urge FDA To Regulate Energy Drinks
