Rethinking Energy Drinks: Functional Benefits That Go Beyond a Quick Boost

#Blog
news-image

In our fast-paced world, energy is essential to fully engage in everyday activities, whether you're a student, a professional, or someone constantly on the move. That’s why many people turn to energy drinks to recharge, stay focused, and perform at their best.

Across the globe, especially in Europe and Asia, energy drinks have evolved beyond being a quick fix for fatigue. They have become a go-to refreshment for anyone who wants to re-energize, stay alert for anything from meetings and classes to outdoor adventures.

Today’s new-generation energy drinks are designed with more in mind than just a quick jolt. Many now offer nutritional value that supports your body and mind in ways you may not expect.

It’s time to look at energy drinks through a new lens: not just as a solution for exhaustion, but as a daily boost that can help make ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

Functional Benefits That Go Beyond a Quick Boost

One of the bigger concerns surrounding energy drinks is their caffeine content. Some worry about heart palpitations or sleep issues. But these worries often stem from misconceptions about caffeine content. In truth, the caffeine in energy drinks is strictly regulated. In Thailand, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limits caffeine in these beverages to no more than 50 milligrams per bottle or can.

To put that into perspective: a 250 ml can of energy drink contains 50 mg of caffeine or less, about 2-3 times lower than a canned coffee of the same size, which can contain up to *250 mg of caffeine.

*Source: https://chaladsue.com/article/510

Functional Benefits That Go Beyond a Quick Boost

Beyond lower caffeine levels, the caffeine in energy drinks can also enhance alertness and focus much like a fresh cup of coffee, making you feel more awake and ready to go. More than just beverages that anyone can enjoy on any occasion, modern energy drinks also come with added nutritional benefits.

Functional Benefits That Go Beyond a Quick Boost

Many modern energy drinks are now enriched with key nutrients that support physical performance–especially Taurine, a vital amino acid, along with essential vitamins including Vitamin B3 (Niacin) which helps support the nervous system; Vitamin B6, which plays a role in maintaining immune system; and Vitamin B12, which contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain. These nutrients are commonly found in health-focused foods.

Functional Benefits That Go Beyond a Quick Boost

Taurine is widely recognized as the hero ingredient in energy drinks. It has properties that enhance immunity and the function of the nervous system**. While your body can produce taurine, a vital amino acid, naturally, production can be affected during times of stress, illness or fatigue. Supplementing taurine through food or beverages is therefore important to maintain normal taurine levels in the body.

Functional Benefits That Go Beyond a Quick Boost

In addition to helping the body function normally, maintaining optimal taurine levels also provides three benefits to the body:

  • Heart and Blood Vessel Health: Enhances circulation, reduces the risk of arteriosclerosis, and helps regulate blood pressure.
  • Enhances Exercise Performance: Helps increase physical endurance, strength, and power, while stimulating muscle recovery and reducing post-exercise soreness.
  • Anti-Aging Support: Slows cellular degeneration and helps maintain vitality as you age.

Functional Benefits That Go Beyond a Quick Boost

Given all the benefits mentioned above, modern energy drinks provide support on two levels: the physical level, which makes the body feel invigorated and active, and the mental level, which helps the brain and nervous system function optimally. This makes modern energy drinks a smart choice for people who need both focus and stamina to power through their day.

Functional Benefits That Go Beyond a Quick Boost

These benefits are found in all energy drink brands under the TCP Group, including Red Bull, Kratingdaeng, Ready, and Som Plus–each catering to different lifestyles and needs of the new generation. For health-conscious consumers, there are also sugar-free options like Red Bull Soda. This fruit-flavored drink contains no sugar but still delivers taurine, caffeine, and Vitamins B3, B6, and B12, offering the same beneficial nutrients. This reaffirms a new definition of energy drinks. You are getting more functional health benefits than just a quick boost.

Energy drinks today are designed for everyone–fit for any moment and packed with benefits.

 

**References:

  1. Brosnan JT, Brosnan ME. The sulfur-containing amino acids: an overview. J Nutr. 2006;136(6Suppl):1636s-40s.
  2. Santulli G, Kansakar U, Varzideh F, Mone P, Jankauskas SS, Lombardi A. Functional Role of Taurine in Aging and Cardiovascular Health: An Updated Overview. Nutrients. 2023;15(19).
  3. Azuma J, Sawamura A, Awata N, Ohta H, Hamaguchi T, Harada H, et al. Therapeutic effect of taurine in congestive heart failure: a double-blind crossover trial. Clin Cardiol. 1985;8(5):276-82.
  4. Fennessy FM, Moneley DS, Wang JH, Kelly CJ, Bouchier-Hayes DJ. Taurine and vitamin C modify monocyte and endothelial dysfunction in young smokers. Circulation. 2003;107(3):410-5.
  5. Waldron M, Patterson SD, Tallent J, Jeffries O. The Effects of Oral Taurine on Resting Blood Pressure in Humans: a Meta-Analysis. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2018;20(9):81.
  6. Kurtz JA, VanDusseldorp TA, Doyle JA, Otis JS. Taurine in sports and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):39.
  7. McGaunn J, Baur JA. Taurine linked with healthy aging. Science. 2023;380(6649):1010-1.
  8. Ló pez-Otí n C, Blasco MA, Partridge L, Serrano M, Kroemer G. Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell. 2023;186(2):243-78.
  9. Li XW, Gao HY, Liu J. The role of taurine in improving neural stem cells proliferation and differentiation. Nutr Neurosci. 2017;20(7):409-15.

 

Writer: Wichapol Polpitakchai

Graphic Designer: Yanin Jomwong