What's in Your Energy Drink?

There are many contents in energy drinks that we know little or nothing about. From improving sexual performance to promoting weight loss, energy drinks have many claims about what benefits they can give you. Many of the contents of energy drinks either have not been studied or tested to see if they measure up to their claims, or the scientific evidence that does exist does not prove that they provide benefits.

For example, the ingredient Yohimbine HCL (which is found in Redline energy drinks, Biotest Spike Shooter energy drinks, and other supplements) claims to improve sexual performance. However, there is no scientific evidence that proves that it increases sexual performance and it is not recommended by the FDA for over the counter use.

Another example is the ingredient Taurine that is found in Go Girl Sugar Free, Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and Full Throttle energy drinks. Its claim to fame is that it lowers the risk of diabetes, epilepsy and high blood pressure. However, there is not sufficient evidence that helps with these problems and there is insufficient data to establish whether or not it is even safe. Here is a short video that talks about Taurine and it's presence in energy drinks:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Other ingredients may include: ginkgo biloba, yerba mate, antioxidants, specific types of ginseng (American, Korean, Panax, etc.), individual vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B7, B12 and C, for example), inositol, choline, d-ribose, tea, sugar substitutes (aspartame, xylitol, or stevia, for example), protein, co-q10 (coenzyme q10), algae, hgh, dhea, herbs, gotu kola, creatine, amino acids (glutamine, arginine and taurine), minerals, oxygen, electrolytes, and milk thistle.

So until we KNOW what these additives do to us and whether or not they are safe, should we be drinking them?