Contributed by Info Guru Paul Seaburn

Energy drinks have become a $5 billion dollar industry because our fast-paced world demands that we be energized and alert all day every day.

However, the ready availability of these drinks to young people along with the shortage of research and regulations on many of their ingredients means there’s a great potential for abuse. The dangers of energy drinks lie in the ingredients, the potential to exceed the recommended dosages and the popularity of combining them with alcohol.

10. Caffeine

Virtually all energy drinks contain caffeine, a stimulant also found in coffee, tea and colas. Energy drinks often contain hidden caffeine in the form of guarana, green tea extract and coffee extract. Too much caffeine can cause dizziness and nausea, and those allergic to it can suffer from rashes, hives and vomiting.

9. Sugar

Many energy drinks contain high fructose corn syrup or other forms of sugar. Besides being a known contributor to obesity and type 2 diabetes, sugar also causes the “crash” many energy drink users experience when the insulin spike goes away.

8. Artificial Sweeteners

To avoid the problems associated with sugar consumption, some energy drinks use artificial sweeteners, which are safe in recommended dosages. However, recent studies have found that artificial sweeteners can increase the craving for sweets.

7. Niacin

Vitamin are beneficial in the recommended dosages. Taking more than the recommended daily allowance of niacin (vitamin B3) causes skin flushing and excessive amounts can cause liver damage.

6. L-Theanine

Sometimes called green tea extract, this amino acid provides a stimulus similar to caffeine but can also cause lightheadedness in large doses.

5. Inositol

Some energy drinks use inositol as a sweetener and energy booster. It can cause diarrhea in large doses. Inositiol is also an ingredient in some explosives and has been used to treat some psychiatric problems.

4. Ginseng

This root and its extracts has long been used in Asian medicine and has many reputed benefits, but not all have been scientifically proven. The extracts used in energy drinks may be of poor quality and large doses of ginseng may cause sleeplessness, diarrhea, headaches and high blood pressure.

3. Ginkgo Biloba

Extracts made from the ancient Ginkgo biloba plant have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The quality of the extracts used in energy drinks may be poor and ingesting large amounts can cause dizziness, heart palpitations, and restlessness. In addition, ginkgo balboa can interfere with other medications such as blood thinners and anti-depressants.

2. Energy Drinks and Alcohol

Many people combine energy drinks like Five Hour Energy or Red Bull with alcohol under the false and dangerous impression that they can drink more and for longer periods without impairment. Neither is true and studies show that those who combine energy drinks and alcohol are more likely to drive while intoxicated.

1. Energy Drinks and Pregnancy

Doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid caffeine. The large amounts of caffeine in energy drinks, especially when consuming more than the recommended serving, can cause miscarriages, small fetus size and stillbirths.