In our fast-paced world, people are riding out the storm of 'no time to sleep', 'no time to eat' and 'no time to relax' and are reaching for an anchor. Many people are clinging to some 'saviours', such as energy bars and energy drinks, but continue to be washed away in the tsunami of modern-day life.

Energy drinks

The energy-drink concept started in Japan, sometime ago, with a popular drink containing vitamins B1, B2, B6, niacin and taurine. The concept was improved upon by the Australian Dietrich Mateschitz, who added caffeine, sugar and other ingredients to come up with the now popular energy drink, Red Bull.

Taurine, an organic acid derived from the amino acid cysteine, was first isolated from ox bile in 1827. It is naturally produced in the testicles of many mammals and may be the reason for the 'urban legend' that bull urine and semen are sources of taurine. Taurine used in the energy-drink industry is in fact synthesised in the laboratory.

There are now many brands of energy drinks on the market. They are used for quick-energy boosts and to stay awake for an extended period. Energy drinks are now even being combined with alcohol and this is reason for concern. It should be noted that energy drinks are not the same as sport drinks, which are used for rehydration in athletes.

Major ingredients

Most energy drinks give a caffeine boost.

Large amounts of sugar to provide the energy.

Large amounts of caffeine, which acts as a stimulant and is responsible for keeping many people awake for hours.

Many contain guarana, an added source of caffeine.

B vitamins to help with energy metabolism and also create the 'health mystique'.

Glucoronolactone, which is produced naturally by the metabolism of glucose in the body, but is used in the drink as, it is said, to fight fatigue.

The major health concern about energy drinks is the unknown synergistic effect of the ingredients. Caffeine, by itself, might not create the energy bang but might do so in combination with the other ingredients. A German double blind study showed an increased stroke volume of the heart (the amount of blood ejected with each beat of the heart) with a combination of caffeine and taurine when compared to caffeine alone or taurine alone.

Energy bars

These were first developed for endurance athletes for quick and convenient energy refuelling. They contain simple and complex carbohydrates. Many of them also contain a protein source such as whey and vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Some of them contain dried fruit as an additional energy source.

Important tips

These bars were designed for active people and are high in calories and so people who use them as snack, especially dieters, may be consuming excess and unwanted calories.

Energy bars cannot take the place of meals with whole foods. If energy bars are consumed regularly, people will miss out on the important benefits of whole foods.

It is important to read the labels, be aware of additional 'herbal' ingredients in some bars and an informed decision.

If you desire a healthy lifestyle, there are no shortcuts. The fleeting magic of energy drinks and bars will not hold our lives together.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.

Lose the weight and keep it off!

Want to find out how? Then don't miss this special three-month feature running every other Wednesday in the Gleaner's multi-award winning Health section. Read about battle-of-the-bulge challenger, Tanny's weight change in next week's edition. Send feedback to yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.