Is 5-hour ENERGY Bad For You?
Also Known As: 5-hour ENERGY shot
Short answer
It's not uncommon to see someone drinking a 5 Hour Energy before a night out or as a mid-afternoon jolt in the office, but is the extra energy accompanied by dangerous side effects? The drinks have been linked with hundreds of annual hospitalizations and at least 11 deaths.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Clearly, a drink that claims to condense the caffeine of several cups of coffee into just two ounces isn't going to be an extremely healthy option. The high dose of caffeine is exactly what makes 5 Hour Energy a dangerous option. In tests, it's been found that 5 Hour Energy contains just over 200mg of caffeine. For reference, an 8 oz cup of coffee from Starbucks contains about 95mg of caffeine. While it would seem that the energy drink would be the same as having two cups of coffee, the issue is the concentration of caffeine in the small sized bottle. Sipping coffee over the course of an hour or so gives a slow and steady supply of caffeine to the body. However, gulping down a 5 Hour Energy drink a quick jolt that will shock the system. The sudden intake of caffeine has been shown to cause spikes in blood pressure, vomiting, seizures, tachycardia (an abnormally fast heartbeat), and more.
How does 5 Hour Energy stack up against other energy drinks? While there are plenty of options for similar products on the market, many people are choosing 5 Hour Energy because of the convenience. Taking a single shot of the drink is faster and may seem much more effective than taking the time to sip an 8 oz can of another energy drink. However, keep in mind that every 2 oz bottle of 5 Hour Energy actually contains 2 servings. Ingesting the entire contents of the bottle will shock your body and could cause the negative side effects listed. It is in your best interest to avoid 5 Hour energy entirely.
Possible short-term side effects
- blood pressure spike
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vomiting
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tachycardia
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seizure (rare)
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insomnia
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shakiness
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nausea
Possible long-term side effects
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- quick boost of energy
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fewer calories than soft drinks
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Guayaki Yerba Mate
- Clean energy boost
- Organic ingredients
- Revel Berry flavor
- 150mg caffeine
- Non-GMO
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Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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