Every athlete including paintballers need energy, and with all of the energy shots being advertised today I figured it was appropriate to review and assess one the most popular energy drinks; 5 Hour Energy. In this post you can get an idea of how 5 hour energy works, the ingredients in it, and the side effects of this liquid energy booster.
The 5-Hour Energy drink has found its way into gas stations and retail stores across the country. What makes this energy drink different is it comes without the "crash" other energy drinks are known for. A closer look at the daily value percentages on the supplement label reveals some off-the-chart percentages that definitely raise some questions, but we'll get to this later.
First off, why is there no crash?
The homepage for 5-Hour Energy states that sugars taken in excess of 20mg per serving increases blood glucose levels. Insulin is responsible for regulating blood glucose levels in the body, and a transition from high glucose levels to stabilized glucose levels can create the crash effect. It is because of this constant battle for homeostasis is why sugar is merely a short-term source of energy, and why people feel so tired after an hour or two of consuming large quantities of it.
How much caffeine is in 5 Hour Energy?
The real source of energy in most energy drinks is caffeine, a stimulant that has been used to wake up society for ages. Any more than 500 to 600mg of caffeine (6-7 cups of coffee) a day however can induce side effects such as light-headedness, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat and even irritability.
Whats different about 5 Hour Energy?
The confusing part however is that unlike other energy drinks, 5 Hour Energy does not contain carbohydrates, yet they claim it provides energy. Is the caffeine enough to provide sustained 5-hours worth of energy? In part, yes, it can if you have an available supply of fatty acids, which caffeine is known to release to feed muscles for energy. You could expect to get energy for a good time period, but for sustained energy carbohydrates will be needed. The combination of caffeine and B Vitamins, which work to convert proteins, carbs, starches, and fats into energy makes this supplement a good candidate to take before a meal. Many doctors insist taking B Vitamins before meals to get maximum effect, the same goes for amino acids.
Is there anything wrong with 5 Hour Energy?
After sifting through all of the information on the 5-Hour Energy homepage you can’t help but feel enticed to buy a couple to try out. They seem to have everything you need to keep on going, but what still has me concerned is the 2000% daily value of B6 and the 8333% of B12. All other ingredients including the amino acids are in amounts considered to be healthy, but what about the amount of B Vitamins? The 5-Hour Energy website has a nice explanation for those that are concerned about taking a large dose of Vitamin B. They simply state that the B Vitamins in their supplement; B6, B12, B3, and B9 are water soluble, any amount that is not absorbed is “expelled with no toxic effects.” They even go on to say that those on B vitamin therapy take even higher doses.
I could not find a consistent number defining a toxic amount, as it seems to be different for everyone. One case for toxicity reported 5,500mg for one dose, while another reported 500mg over a period of time (3 months or so), which happens to be the equivalent of B12 in one bottle of 5 hour energy. The recommended daily dose for B3 is 6mg, .8 for B6, and 30mg for B12. The amount of B3 in a 5 Hour Energy drink is 30mg, 40mg of B6, and 500mcg of B12.
It seems the number of ingredients in 5 Hour Energy shots work together in more ways than I can piece together. In my assessment I did find that the amount of B Vitamins could potentially lead to an overdose. In the most extreme case, if taken daily and over a period of time 5 Hour Energy shots could very well cause temporary nerve/brain damage (in the most extreme cases). Symptoms such as numb hands and feet are signs of toxic levels.
Aside from that, the combination of ingredients and a healthy amount of water should result in 5 hours of energy if fatty acids and carbs are available for synthesis, and the user has not desensitized themselves to the effects of caffeine.
So does 5 Hour Energy Work?
Yes, it will, as long as you aren't a heavy user of caffeine (or a newb to it!), and supply your body with some carbs you should in theory get hours worth of energy and focus from the amino acids in 5 Hour Energy.
Click Here to See All Deals For 5 Hour Energy, Every Size of Pack (6, 12, 24, 48, and Even 72 Bottle Packs), as Well as Different Flavors and Strengths
Should you be worried about side effects?
As with anything, you should exercise moderation. You can expect side effects if you take 2 of these a day for 30 days, but who does that? For the paintballer who needs energy for a big game or tournament, 5 Hour Energy is perfect and should do wonders for you.
So there you have it, the lowdown on 5 hour energy, and hopefully the answers to all of the questions you have about this ultra-popular energy drink.
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Did you ever notice that the majority of people that end up with problems did not read the directions and follow them!? You have a woman’s son who drank 3 to 5 a day. You have a man who drank alcohol till 2am and then took one. You have a pro runner take two, but didn’t space them apart…and the list goes on. Perhaps if people would simply follow the directions and take responsebility for their own actions they wouldn’t be blaming a company for their screw ups. The company provides a helpful tool, but you must follow how to use this tool. Granted, there are a minor few cases like with anything that are legit side effects, but 9 out of 10 times it is because people either took too much or mixed it with other factors. Enjoy one in the morning and only if you need it another in the late afternoon. Drink your normal 8 8oz. glasses of water per day and you should be fine. But if something should happen and you followed what they said to do. Here’s a thought, just don’t take them. Was that easy enough?
If you need a boost of energy to get through the day on a regular basis, try getting some more sleep. If that isn’t the issue, perhaps it’s time for a new mattress which will help improve the sleep you are already trying to get. Wake up early enough to allow yourself a little bit of time to do some type of cardio exercise to get yourself pumped up and the adrenalin going. Whalah! Instant energy…no cost, no side effects other than feeling good, and no crash.
I tried the 5 hour energy shot because I was working 2 jobs and needed that extra boost. I tried numerous brands and didnt care for any of them. So I figured I would try the 5 hour energy shot.
Of course I do drink lots of water & cranberry juice to keep the system cleansed. The cranberry juice is because I had some severe kidney problems 10 years ago, so its pretty much a requirement for me.
The Regular really didnt do much for me so I tried the Extra strenghth.That one sure did the trick!! But the most amazing thing is what I noticed after a couple of weeks of drinking the shots.
I have had severe migraines for 30 years. At least 2-3 a week that are so bad I cant function. I have seen doctors about my migraines, but nothing has helped.
Nothing….until I started drinking the 5 hour energy shots! It was like My miracle!!! After suffering for 30 years, I have had all of 4 migraines in the last 2 years! And those were on days that I didnt drink a 5 hour energy.
I finally found the one thing that helps me.
One Aleve with 1/2 a 5 hour energy shot in the morning and the other 1/2 of the 5 hour energy around 3 pm and I am good to go for the day. More than enough energy….and migraine free!! YAY!!!
Now keep in mind, I dont do this every day….just 98% of the time….lol…probably not something to laugh about, but…Hey
For those of you worried about side effects…all I can do is speak for myself about my experience….. and I havent had any kind of side effects in over 2 years of drinking the shots on a daily basis, except the relief of my migraines. And that is something I could Never complain about!!
As a matter of fact…..Id like to Thank the makers of Extra Strength 5 hour energy shots for the excellent product they put out there. Please dont ever stop making it. And if you do…..let consumers know well ahead of time….. that way I can be sure to buy a lifetime supply before its gone.
Again, Thank You for the migraine free years you have given me the opportunity to have.
I absolutely LOVE Extra Strength 5 hour energy shots!!
The unit of measure for energy is the calorie and, since the average person eats around 1200 calories, 5 calories more per day is of little or no consequence.
i lost all feeling in my scalp, gums, and nose. BUT THIS SHIT WORKS!!!
i have 1 five hour energy every 7 min is that bad?
hi
hi, I’m currently trying to make a homemade 5 hour energy like shot. I’ve got many of the ingredients, but it really taste bad. How do I get that non offensive 5 hour energy drink taste? thanks
email is seanefelarce@yahoo.com
thank you man, i got one today cause i workout alot, and i need some of that, i also have high school and i fall alseep too, im a little worried bout the part when you said diarrhea….
Does 5 hour mess up your menstral cycle?
I don’t have a menstral cycle I havea Harly and it still runs Ok when I use 5 Hours
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