Energy Drinks
Energy drinks Increased energy, strength, power Increased training volume; caffeine and carbohydrates are main ingredients; products are overpriced Insomnia, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations
Ephedra Decreased body fat; increased training intensity due to stimulant effect Decreased appetite, particularly when taken with caffeine; some evidence for increased training intensity Abnormal heart rhythms, nervousness, headache, gastrointestinal distress, and heatstroke; banned by the FDA
Erythropoietin Enhanced performance during endurance events Stimulated growth of red blood cells; enhanced oxygen uptake and endurance Increased blood viscosity (thickness); can cause potentially fatal blood clots
Ginseng Decreased effects of physical and emotional stress; increased oxygen consumption Most well-controlled studies show no effect on performance No serious side effects; high doses can cause high blood pressure, nervousness, and insomnia
Green tea extract Decreased body fat Some studies show decreases in body fat Insomnia, headache, nausea, heart palpitations.
Energy Drinks Photo Gallery
Growth hormone Increased muscle mass, strength, and power; decreased body fat Increased muscle mass and strength; decreased fat mass; little effect on exercise performance Elevated blood sugar, high insulin levels, and carpal tunnel syndrome; enlargement of the heart and other organs; an extremely expensive controlled substance
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) Increased testosterone production; prevention of muscle atrophy during steroid withdrawal Increased testosterone production Interferes with normal testosterone regulation; banned in most sports
