Energy drinks are dietary supplements that have increasingly gained popularity since the 90s, particularly among athletes, adolescents, and even older individuals.1 These products are generally in the form of carbonated soft drinks that contain ingredients such as carbohydrates, caffeine, vitamins, and amino acids, among others, with varying absorption rates to which the proposed health benefits of these drinks are attributed.2-4 Black Bear Energy Drink is a naturally formulated beverage that contains essential B vitamins for heightened energy, as well as the beneficial mineral molybdenum that helps the body naturally process sulfites along with other toxins.5,6

While many commercially available energy drinks are composed of chemical compounds and artificial ingredients along with energy-enhancing nutrients, Black Bear Energy Drink is a clean supplement. Black Bear is made from important energy-boosting vitamins, naturally occurring forms of sugar and caffeine, mineral-based preservatives, and natural fruit flavorings, making it one of the cleanest energy drinks currently on the market. This offers an ideal alternative for people who are looking for a gentle, chemical-free energy boost, including active individuals such as athletes.

The Importance of Natural Energy Drinks for Athletes

During the 1990s, energy-enhancing beverages became popular among athletes due to the following benefits7:

  • Heightened physical performance
  • Faster reaction rates
  • Enhanced attention
  • Higher concentration
  • Weight control
  • Balanced emotional state 

Research indicates that the consumption of energy drinks 10 to 60 minutes prior to exercise is especially beneficial for athletes as this promotes alertness, mental focus, endurance, and anaerobic performance.3 Energy drinks also support athletic performance by supplying small amounts of carbohydrates as well as electrolytes (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium) that promote hydration and sustained stamina. There is, however, an association between chemical-based energy drinks and a crash-like feeling, particularly from beverages that contain large amounts of added caffeine (80 mg or higher).3.8

How to Avoid the “Crash” Feeling with Natural Energy Drinks

The main ingredient in most commercially available energy drinks is caffeine, which is a well-known stimulant.8 Although it helps boost energy and physical performance, especially in endurance sports, excessive caffeine intake may cause a crash that is associated with increased fatigue, sleepiness, or even irritability.8,9 This can especially be an issue if an individual is consuming more than one serving of chemical-based energy drinks with large amounts of caffeine daily.1,8 

Natural energy drinks that are composed of vitamins, minerals, and natural sources of caffeine from herbal extracts, however, help lower the risk of crashing by providing the body with nutrients that support cellular energy production.4,7 Instead of overloading the body with too much caffeine and artificial ingredients the body struggles to clear, natural energy drinks simply offer important nutrients. For instance, natural energy drinks provide carbohydrates and electrolytes the body can use as an energy source during activity to maintain performance and endurance capacity.10 

Natural energy drinks also supply vitamins such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 that heighten mental energy, physical performance, and focus.11 All of these ingredients are found in Black Bear Energy Drink, which means this beneficial beverage contains clean ingredients that have been proven through research to energize the body.10,11 These are just a few of the reasons why chemical-based energy drinks should be avoided.

the Energy Drink, Redefined

Natural sources of B12

Quick absorption

Clean ingredients

Energize on the go

Common Ingredients in Energy Drinks You Want to Avoid

A number of popular energy drinks contain a combination of artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners, excess sugar in the form of sucrose or glucose, acidulants, maltodextrin, acesulfame K, aspartame, xanthan gum, and many others.1,7,12 These types of artificial, chemical ingredients can increase the body’s toxic burden, cause gut sensitivity, or even allergic reactions for some individuals.1,8 This lowers the body’s energy reserves as the immune system works harder to remove these harmful substances from the body. This means that instead of experiencing more energy, the body is depleted of its energy stores. 

Another harmful ingredient that is often found in most commercially available supplements is  cyanocobalamin. This form of vitamin B12 has not been added to Black Bear Energy Drink because cyanoB12 contains a cyanide molecule. So when you take cyanoB12 your body must first turn it into hydroxyB12 in order to use it and then must find a way to get rid of the toxic cyanide molecule. Cyanide is a poison even if the rest of the B12 molecule is good for you. The body actually uses hydroxyB12 in order to detoxify cyanide. So, not only is cyanoB12 not the form your body ultimately needs, but taking higher doses of cyanoB12 may actually deplete your hydroxy B12. So why would anyone use cyano B12 if it can be toxic? Well, in low doses it may be helpful for the eyes, but for the most part cyanoB12 is used because it is much less expensive and a form of B12 that is easier to keep stable.

In addition to these types of harmful ingredients, the high sugar and caffeine content in some energy drinks is especially problematic for people who experience blood sugar, liver, or heart-related health issues.8 Even energy drinks without artificial sweeteners can cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly and this can be harmful for individuals with pre-existing health problems.

Furthermore, research suggests that although some popular chemical-based energy drinks claim to contain a combination of energy-enhancing ingredients, the caffeine component is primarily responsible for the temporary boost in energy that people experience after consuming such drinks.12 More specifically, some widely marketed energy drinks contain 80 mg or more of caffeine and only small amounts of important nutrients (e.g., B vitamins, minerals). For some people, this causes a caffeine crash that is associated with intense fatigue. It may also lead to a harmful cycle where an individual feels the need to drink several bottles or cans of these chemical-based energy drinks throughout the day to maintain stamina.12 Additional energy drink side effects that may be experienced include the following13:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Breathing issues
  • Restlessness and worry
  • Fidgeting
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Facial flushing
  • Frequent urination
  • Muscle tremors
  • Irritability or agitation
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Disorientation
  • Hallucinations

To avoid these types of issues, it is better to consume a well-balanced supplement that is made from natural ingredients, such as Black Bear Energy Drink. It gently boosts and maintains energy levels throughout the day without having to consume several cans. 

Why You Should Not Experience Health Problems with Black Bear Energy Drink

Black Bear Energy Drink is carefully formulated with several B vitamins for a natural source of energy. It contains B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin), which both help rejuvenate the metabolism by enhancing blood flow.11 Improved blood circulation also heightens energy levels. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been included in this beverage as well due to its ability to support brain function. Furthermore, B6 helps the body convert nutrients such as healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into glucose that is used for energy.14,15 Most importantly, vitamin B6 promotes proper energy utilization, which prolongs energy levels for sustained vigor throughout the day.14

This clean energy drink also includes a high serving of two forms of vitamin B12 known as adenosylcobalamin and hydroxocobalamin. You may be wondering, “what’s the difference between hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin?” The answer involves the manner in which the body utilizes the two forms. Adenosylcobalamin supplementation supports cellular energy production, but is not as versatile hydroxocobalamin.16,17  Hydroxocobalamin is a unique form of B12 that the body more readily converts to an active form of B12 that supports numerous reactions.17 Unfortunately, hydroxocobalamin is a more expensive form of B12 and most supplements contain cyanocobalamin, which is an inexpensive form that actually contains an unhealthy cyanide molecule the body must first clear before the B12 molecule can be used for its nutrient properties.17 

Despite the subtle differences, almost all of the body’s cells use ample amounts of vitamin B12.18 Healthy red blood cell function is dependent upon maintaining sufficient levels of B12 and this vitamin converts nutrients (e.g., protein, fat) into energy.19 A lack of proper vitamin B12 is also one of the main reasons a lot of people experience ongoing fatigue or even anemia.18,19 Therefore, the inclusion of B vitamins in this natural energy drink is vital toward experiencing noticeable health benefits. Black Bear Energy Drink also contains a small amount of caffeine, but in the form of oolong tea leaf extract, which provides a natural source of caffeine.20

Black Bear Energy Drink is not only useful because of its clean ingredients, but because it is a liquid supplement, it offers quicker absorption and sustained energy. While the outer casing of pills and capsules must first be broken down in the intestinal tract before the nutrients are released, liquid-based nutrients can quickly be transported from the intestines to the blood. Furthermore, a small amount of nutrients may be degraded along with the protective casing of capsules and pills before the remaining nutrients can be released into the bloodstream. 

So, if you want to experience a sustained energy boost, try Black Bear Energy Drink

References

  1. Reissig CJ, Strain EC, Griffiths RR. Caffeinated energy drinks–a growing problem. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2009;99(1-3):1-10.
  2. Alford C, Cox H, Wescott R. The effects of red bull energy drink on human performance and mood. Amino Acids. 2001;21(2):139-150. 
  3. Campbell B, Wilborn C, La Bounty P, Taylor L, Nelson M, Greenwood M, Ziegenfuss T, Lopez H, Hoffman J, Stout J, Schmitz S, Collins R, Kalman D, Antonio J, Kreider R. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinks. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10:1.
  4. Seidl R, Peyrl A, Nicham R, Hauser E. A taurine and caffeine-containing drink stimulates cognitive performance and well-being. Amino Acids. 2000;19(3-4):635-642.
  5. Markle HV. Cobalamin. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 1996;33:247-356.
  6. Beedham C. Molybdenum hydroxylases as drug-metabolizing enzymes. Drug Metab Rev 1985;16:119-56.
  7. Kammerer M, et al. Effects of energy drink major bioactive compounds on the performance of young adults in fitness and cognitive tests: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014;11:44.
  8. Sepkowitz KA: Energy drinks and caffeine-related adverse effects. JAMA. 2013 ;309(3):243-4.
  9. Nehlig A, Daval JL, Debry G. Caffeine and the central nervous system: mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic and psychostimulant effects. Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 1992;17(2):139-70.
  10. Jeukendrup A, Brouns F, Wagenmakers AJ, Saris WH: Carbohydrate-electrolyte feedings improve 1 h time trial cycling performance. Int J Sports Med. 1997;18:125-129.
  11. Kreider RB, Wilborn CD, Taylor L, Campbell B, Almada AL, Collins R, Cooke M, Earnest CP, Greenwood M, Kalman DS, et al, et al.: ISSN exercise & sport nutrition review: research & recommendations. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010;7:7-10.
  12. Kim W. Debunking the Effects of Taurine in Red Bull Energy Drink. Nutrition Bytes. 2003;9(1).
  13. Lara DR. Caffeine, mental health, and psychiatric disorders. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 1:S239-48.
  14. Werbach MR. Nutritional strategies for treating chronic fatigue syndrome. Altern Med Rev 2000;5:93-108.
  15. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706.
  16. Obeid R, Fedosov SN, Nexo E. Cobalamin coenzyme forms are not likely to be superior to cyano- and hydroxyl-cobalamin in prevention or treatment of cobalamin deficiency. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2015; 59(7):1364-72.
  17. Paul C, Brady DM. Comparative Bioavailability and Utilization of Particular Forms of B12 Supplements With Potential to Mitigate B12-related Genetic Polymorphisms. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2017;16(1):42-49.
  18. Markle HV. Cobalamin. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 1996;33:247-356.
  19. Herrmann W, Rima O. Cobalamin deficiency. Subcell Biochem. 2012;56:301-22.
  20. Rumpler W, et al. Oolong Tea Increases Metabolic Rate and Fat Oxidation in Men. JN 2001;131(11):2848-2852.