[jack222]

Originally Posted by Oni

Just out of my own curiosity, I did a bit of research (not much) and found out something interesting.

Now, most energy drinks around here advertise on the cans that they contain the following ingredients: Caffeine, Taurine, and Creatine. Now, we all know where caffiene comes from, but the other two always mystified me. What do they do? Why are they in there? What benefits does that chemical have that they decided to put it in my beverage?

Well, I did a bit of research the other day. This thread reminded me of it, 'cause whenever I have a can of Full Throttle (it's abysmal, but better than half of the other drinks out there) or Sobe No Fear or Adrenaline Rush (not much better, but a bit), I always read those and want to know what they do, but I'm never near a computer.

Creatine was first discovered to be produced by the liver. Yes, it is an excretion from an organ in the human body. It aids the muscles, in that it helps supply energy to them. The human body actually produces more than enough creatine for normal daily life, so there is really no need for more. Bodybuilders use it almost religiously.

I'm sure it's synthesized now, but back in the day, they extracted it from the liver. Nice, eh?

Now, on to taurine. This one was always a mystery to me. I kinda knew what creatine did, but taurine? That's a new one. Upon further investigation, I discovered that taurine is actually a product of bile. Bile is also a liver excretion, and aids in the emmulsification of fatty acids so the nutrients can be extracted by the small intestine. It was originally separated out of ox bile. All it adds to the mixture, is that it allows the eyes to focus, and reduces blood pressure.

Considering that the sugar and caffiene would probably raise the user's blood presure greatly, I'm sure this comes in handy.

I just found it interesting that 2/3 of the concoctions we drink to stay awake, and help us keep gaming into the wee hours, were originally extracted from the liver and digestive tract of large mammals.

I've also made another discovery! I picked up a 4-pak of Adrenaline Rush before my last LAN party, and noticed a new chemical called Inositol. I did some quick research, and this is actually a chemical I like to see! Beyond doing all kinds of good things for your body, it also regulates serotonin activity, effectively making it a mood elevator, similar to an SSRI like Celexa or Zoloft, but without the nasty side effects. Now that's cool!

Thats interesting to know, I have always wondered that.

Now, my question, maybe someone here knows, is this. How much is too much? At one point, is it bad to keep putting all those ingredients into your system?

[twEEkerAreUs]

The real challenge is NOT drinking energy drinks to stay awake lol. I've never really been into them and for the most part...price premiums are kind of high on them. Bawls taste great but one really doesn't do much for me and at like $2.00 bottle kind of a rip. Stay away from caffeine pills though, I think they do more harm then good.

[synthetic_fenix]

I have really been liking the Sugar Free Full Throttle Lately. Yes i know whats the point of it being sugar free. The Sugar free stuff is 0 carbs

[Krome]

Red Bull from Thailand

Bacchus from Korea

The American stuff is kinda weaksauce, but I do like Bawls w/ Absolut Apeach.