High energy drinks have certainly become a popular fad among North America's youth culture. While different brands have similar but not identical formulations, many energy drinks are a concoction of sugar, a hefty dose of caffeine, B vitamins and herbs such as guarana (a caffeine-rich plant native to Brazil) and ginseng. High energy drinks -- not to be confused with sports drinks - are revved-up soft drinks. A 250 ml serving contains anywhere from 25 - 38 g of sugar (about 6 - 9 teaspoons), along with about 80 - 100 g of caffeine.
When high energy drinks are consumed in greater quantities than recommended, or when they're used by kids during sports or in combination with alcohol, their effects may lead to health problems.
