Question: I recently saw some people taking a low calorie energy drink/shot like 5-hour Energy before a half marathon. Is there any science behind those high B vitamin drinks? By definition a calorie is a unit of energy, so if those drinks have little to no calories, then they can’t have much energy, right? Are they tricking our bodies into feeling more energetic?
Alicia: You are right, the 5-hour Energy drinks do not provide the form of energy that you need to sustain endurance activity. The reason for consuming sports drinks and gels is because they contain calories in the form of carbohydrates. During longer races these carbohydrates ensure that you do not run out of readily available glycogen (or glucose) that your body uses for energy to sustain exercise.
Drinks like 5-hour Energy are mostly comprised of large doses of caffeine, other stimulants and B vitamins. For most people caffeine does help improve performance but there is not a single clinical study that proves that the claimed large doses of caffeine, stimulants and B vitamins in 5-hour Energy further enhance athletic performance. In fact, for many people, the amount of stimulants in 5-hour Energy could be detrimental to optimal performance.
The most important fueling practice for longer races and workouts is supplying your body with adequate amounts of glucose (gels, drinks, candy, chomps, etc.). If your body responds well to caffeine then it is OK to also have some caffeine before or during the race. However, it is best to consume caffeine through a cup of coffee, tea or gels. Anything around 2-3 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight has been shown to improve endurance performance. 5-hour energy does not reveal exactly how much caffeine and other stimulants is in each bottle. So I would advise that you steer clear of any product that is not well researched and also does not list the specific amounts of ingredients in the bottle.
Also, too many stimulants combined with low blood sugar levels and a high heart rate while racing could be a recipe for disaster. And you’re right, it can ‘trick’ your body into thinking it has more energy and reserve than it really does.
Hi, my name is Carly and I’m part of the team that engages on behalf of 5-Hour Energy.
5-Hour Energy is a clinically tested dietary supplement that has been clinically tested in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover scientific study that concluded that the group that consumed 5-Hour Energy demonstrated an increase in alertness and cognitive functions measured over more than a five-hour period versus a control group given a placebo. It is a dietary supplement that blends amino acids, metabolites and caffeine together with B Vitamins to provide a boost in energy and a feeling of alertness without a sudden drop in energy later.
5-Hour Energy might be just the thing to get you up and moving and motivate you for your runs. 5-Hour Energy is not an energy drink, it is a dietary supplement. It is not a replacement for liquids that keep you hydrated. Good hydration is crucial for athletic activities such as running.
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I drink 5 hr energy drinks for 1/2 marathon mileage. I would not drink these for a full marathon race. I find it helpful and a boost of energy when i run anywhere from 1-13 miles. After that, enery gels, beans, and water are great. But every one is different, so listen to your body’s preference! 🙂