As energy drinks become more popular, there is growing concern over how they could affect young athletes. Health experts say more high school and college athletes are downing these caffeine-loaded drinks to boost athletic performance or lose weight. But too many energy drinks could lead to dehydration, tremors, heat stroke and heart attacks, the experts warn. They say young athletes should instead drink water while training and playing, especially during hot and humid summer months.

Also see: Energy drinks should come with warnings

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Are you one of those people who has a cup of Joe before you workout to get you going? A new report finds coffee may do more than just energize you – it may also kill some of the pain from exercising. Researchers say it works whether or not you already have a coffee habit.

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I’ve written about energy drinks a couple of times already here at FFTV. You can see the results of a  Consumer Reports test on 12 of these caffeine-filled beverages over here. And just last month, I mentioned a new study that finds just one can of Red Bull may increase the risk of heart damage. Now, researchers at Johns Hopkins University say some energy drinks are so packed with caffeine they should carry prominent warning labels. Their study found some energy drinks had up to 14 times the caffeine as a can of cola, or the same as seven cups of strong coffee. Yikes! I agree they should come with warnings. What do you think?

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Energy drinks are all the buzz these days. But is that buzz good for your health? Consumer Reports wants the government to require companies to label the amount of caffeine in the beverages so you know how much you’re getting. Its experts recently tested 12 carbonated energy drinks – 9 regular and 3 low-calorie – for caffeine content and taste.

Here’s what they found:

Caffeine levels per 8-ounce serving ranged from 50 milligrams to 145 mg. Compare that to a cup of coffee which has about 100 mg; 8 ounces of Coke has about 35 mg. Caffeine intake up to about 300 mg a day is considered OK for most adults; children should be limited to well under 100 mg. But most tested energy drinks have more than 8 ounces per can or bottle. Anyone who guzzles the whole container consumes up to 200 mg of caffeine and up to 260 calories.

All the drinks tasted sweet, and many were a bit bitter. Sugar-free versions of Full Throttle, Red Bull, Rockstar, and Sobe had an artificial-sweetener flavor.

Most of the drinks list at least one stimulant ingredient. Green tea and guarana supply caffeine, as does yerba mate, found in Steaz. Ginseng might amplify caffeine’s effects. Other ingredients include taurine, which some studies suggest improves mental performance, and glucoronolactone, which might yield a temporary “sugar buzz.” Celsius and Enviga claim to burn calories, and in a few manufacturer-funded studies, healthy adults worked off about 100 calories more on average after drinking them than after drinking a placebo. (Connecticut’s attorney general has asked Enviga for proof.) Other claims can be nonsensical. Red Bull says it “improves performance, especially during times of increased stress or strain,” but high caffeine levels can actually cause anxiety.

Consumer Reports says an occasional energy drink is fine for most people, but don’t over-indulge. Check the ratings below for calories and caffeine levels per 8 fluid ounces. They are listed in order of caffeine content (to the nearest 5 mg), lowest to highest:

• Archer Farms Energy Drink, fruit punch (Target) – 110 calories, 50 mg caffeine

• Steaz Energy Organic Fuel, berry – 90 calories, 60 mg caffeine

• Enviga Sparkling Green Tea – 3 calories, 75 mg caffeine

• Rockstar Energy Drink – 130 calories, 75 mg caffeine

• Tab Energy Drink – 4 calories, 75 mg caffeine

• Amp Energy Supplement – 110 calories, 75 mg caffeine

• Full Throttle Energy Drink – 110 calories, 80 mg caffeine

• Monster Energy Supplement – 100 calories, 80 mg caffeine

• Rush Energy Drink – 120 calories, 80 mg caffeine

• Red Bull Energy Drink – 106 calories, 80 mg caffeine

• Sobe No Fear Super Energy Supplement – 130 calories, 85 mg caffeine

• Celsius Energy Supplement, lemon-lime – 7 calories, 145 mg caffeine

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