Energy drink makers have long claimed that their products offer an energy boost produced by way of a scientific formula. Rather than rely on extolling the virtues of one ingredient, marketing materials typically tout a combination of ingredients working in concert to give energy to the consumer. But a new article looks into these marketing claims, which in most cases have not been verified by scientists.
Take taurine for example. Red Bull’s website claims that this additive’s effect on physiology has been explored in over 2,500 reports and that the European Food Safety Authority says the item is healthy. However, claims that taurine aids heart health and mental ability have been refuted by the European Commission, and they themselves cited the EFSA in their conclusion. That agency determined that no scientific evidence has been found to support the claims of energy drinks.
Energy drink producers will contend that it’s the unique mixture of ingredients that provide the energy boost. In an investigation, though, numerous obscure and somewhat odd trials on ingredients were uncovered, and many of these studies were found to be inconclusive. And all the while, the Food and Drug Administration is looking into claims that energy drink consumption has led to serious health complications or even fatalities.