Table 3 Summary of ingredient’s information, health benefits, and side effects of the ED that are available in the market according to the classes of macronutrients (carbohydrates and proteins)

Macronutrients

Carbohydrates

Sugar

Simple sugars (such as sucrose, fructose, or beet sugar) are a fast-acting source of energy and are used in energy drinks to boost cognitive performance. Sugar content in drinks is normally around 27 g per 8 oz. Energy drinks with a higher volume surpass the daily sugar limit of 32 g (Rath 2012)

N/A

Excessive consumption of high-energy drinks may raise the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes (Bedi et al. 2014)

Rath (2012), Bedi et al. (2014), Greenblum et al. (2012)

Glucuronolactone

The human body produces glucuronolactone (DGL) when glucose is broken down by the liver. This component is found in all connective tissue

DGL is believed to help with detoxification, the release of hormones and other compounds, and vitamin C production. It is included in energy drinks because it claimed to help with glycogen depletion by preventing other compounds from depleting muscle glycogen stores. (Yunusa and Ahmed 2011)

N/A

Yunusa and Ahmed (2011)

Protein

Taurine

A semi-essential amino acid that is not involved in protein synthesis and is abundant in mammalian tissues is known as taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid). It is naturally found in human bodies, mostly in the brain, eyes, heart, and muscles (Beyranvand et al. 2011)

Taurine has been recommended as a treatment for epilepsy, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes due to its anti-inflammatory properties (Caine and Geracioti 2016). Taurine may help to manage blood sugar levels and fight diabetes. Without any modifications in food or exercise, long-term supplementation reduced fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic rats used in research laboratories (Chauhan and Piracha 2020)

N/A

Beyranvand et al. (2011), Caine and Geracioti (2016), Chauhan and Piracha (2020)

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrins (C₆H₁₀O₅)n·H₂O are saccharide polymers composed mostly of glucose units linked by -1,4 glucosidic boundaries. Maltodextrins are produced by enzymatic hydrolysis with or without acid, although only to a lesser amount than starch syrups (Klinjapo and Krasaekoopt 2018)

Maltodextrins, like any other carbohydrate, were found to reduce net glycogen breakdown during long-duration exercise while maintaining a high whole-body glucose oxidation rate (Hofman et al. 2016)

N/A

Klinjapo and Krasaekoopt (2018), Hofman et al. (2016)

Carnitine

L-Carnitine is an amino acid produced mostly by the liver and kidneys that aids in metabolism and energy production (Yunusa and Ahmed 2011)

Carnitine acts as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Thus, it may reduce the exercise-induced muscle damage (Sawicka et al. 2020)

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are examples of rare adverse effects (Yunusa and Ahmed 2011)

Yunusa and Ahmed, (2011), Sawicka et al. (2020), Yunusa and Ahmed (2011)