- With Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor for the nutrition and healthy eating guide, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.
A Marinette, Wis., native, Katherine is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She is active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in wellness nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and nutrition education related to weight management and practical applications of nutrition-related lifestyle changes.
Other areas of interest include food and nutrition for all life stages, active lifestyles and the culinary arts.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
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Question
Energy drinks: Do they really boost energy?
Can energy drinks really boost a person's energy?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Most energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine, which can provide a temporary energy boost. Some energy drinks contain sugar and other substances. The boost is short-lived, however, and may be accompanied by other problems.
For example, energy drinks that contain sugar may contribute to weight gain — and too much caffeine can lead to:
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Rapid heart beat
- Increased blood pressure
Mixing energy drinks with alcohol may be even more problematic. Energy drinks can blunt the feeling of intoxication, which may lead to heavier drinking and alcohol-related injuries.
For most people, occasional energy drinks are fine. If you're consistently fatigued or rundown, however, consider a better — and healthier — way to boost your energy. Get adequate sleep, include physical activity in your daily routine and eat a healthy diet. If these strategies don't seem to help, consult your doctor. Sometimes fatigue is a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism or anemia.
- Reissig CJ, et al. Caffeinated energy drinks - A growing problem. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2009;99:1.
- Dennis EA, et al. Beverage consumption and adult weight management: A review. Eating Behaviors. 2009;10:237.
- Astorino TA, et al. Efficacy of acute caffeine ingestion for short-term high-intensity exercise performance: A systematic review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2010;24:257.
- Steinke LL. Effect of "energy drink" consumption on hemodynamic and electrocardiographic parameters in healthy young adults. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2009;43:596.
- Fosnocht KM, et al. Approach to the adult patient with fatigue. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
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