As college students, we are constantly surrounded by energy drinks.
I know that I can’t survive a day without one.
Between the early-morning classes, late-night study sessions and workouts, college students are always searching for a way to stay energized. Energy drinks have high amounts of caffeine, vitamins and amino acids. They are also known as functional drinks because while they aren’t hydrating like sports drinks, they are a psychostimulant that helps with better brain performance, according to Energy Drinks Composition, Consumption and Cautions by John Higgins and Joshua Hahn.
While energy drinks are marketed as health drinks, they really aren’t. The Food and Drug Administration states that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is safe for healthy adults; however, not everyone should drink this much. Therefore, it is important to check the label, and possibly with your doctor, before reaching for another can.
The recommendation for consumption in teens is 100 milligrams because of the adverse side effects such as cardiac arrest, elevated blood pressure and convulsions, according to Harvard Health.
Higgins and Hahn write that the energy drink market is on a constant upward trajectory which is expected to continue. They are usually marketed toward a younger demographic: 18 to 34-year-olds.
College students fall directly into that demographic range, and they don’t just consume energy drinks to stay awake. Some prefer their energy drink for a workout or a long study session, and some just like the taste. The popularity of energy drinks has grown because of the low-calorie and zero-sugar options. However, even though they contain less sugar, the caffeine content is still significant.
Students frequently turn to energy drinks to stay energized and balance school, athletics, work and social activities. However, before reaching for your next energy drink, consider if a nap might be the better choice.
Sizemore is the POV editor for The Liberty Champion.
Video was shot by Ella Sizemore and Joshua Gross and edited by Joshua Gross.