The Real 5 Hour Energy
January 21st, 2010
The 5 Hour Energy shots have been heavily marketed as an energy booster that’s healthier and more effective than the typical energy drink, but is this really the case?
Many energy boosting products are loaded with sugar and caffeine and may even contain artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, and other potentially harmful ingredients. According to the marketing, 5 Hour Energy is supposed to be different. While it does contain seemingly healthy ingredients like vitamins and amino acids, it also contains a number of questionable ingredients as well. Furthermore, even if 5 Hour Energy contained only the most natural and healthful ingredients, it’s also important to consider the flawed mentality behind the most commonly perceived need for such a product.
Only 4 Calories
Most energy drinks are loaded with sugar, and as many people are beginning to realize, sugar is unhealthy and causes blood sugar fluctuation that can lead to a number of additional problems. In addition, the energy it provides is often proceeded by significant fatigue and a craving for more sugar. Many of the 5 Hour Energy commercials point this out and boast about the fact that it doesn’t contain sugar. What they don’t tell you is that 5 Hour Energy contains sucralose, also known as the controversial artificial sweetener Splenda.
Splenda is marketed in a way that might lead you to believe that it’s a natural substance. Although it starts out as sugar, it’s highly processed until it becomes a type of chemical called an organochloride and is anything but natural. In fact, most organochlorides are pesticides, and Splenda is the only organochloride intended for human consumption. Like the infamous sweetener aspartame, a lot of politics were involved with the approval of Splenda. In addition, many people have reported adverse reactions from using it, and some research suggests that it could potentially damage DNA and be carcinogenic.1 By using Splenda instead of sugar, 5 Hour Energy is merely trading one problem for another.
B Vitamins and Amino Acids
It’s well known that B vitamins and amino acids have an important influence on your energy levels. In fact, amino acids can influence your moods as well. However, if you’re eating a well rounded diet based on natural whole foods, then you should be getting plenty of these nutrients and not have a need to obtain them from an energy product like 5 Hour Energy. Furthermore, it’s generally safer and more effective to obtain vitamins and amino acids as they naturally exist in food rather than in isolation or synthetic form.
Although there are some exceptions, most people who rely on energy drinks, shots, or supplements are only compensating for the unhealthy habits that are making them tired. In addition, those who really do need vitamin or amino acid supplementation would be much better off with a specific supplement program than a generic energy product.
Unnatural Additives
Splenda isn’t the only unnatural and potentially dangerous ingredient in 5 Hour Energy. In addition to unnamed artificial flavors, it also contains the preservatives sodium benzoate and EDTA.
Sodium benzoate is a commonly used preservative in the food industry that has the potential to damage DNA and produce the carcinogen benzene when combined with the ascorbic acid form of vitamin C.2 As is the case with 5 Hour Energy, many products that contain sodium benzoate also contain EDTA because it helps to reduce the formation of benzene. However, like sodium benzoate, EDTA has the potential to damage DNA. It’s also toxic to cells and is considered to be an environmental pollutant that degrades slowly.3
In an interview with the marketing director of the company that makes 5 Hour Energy, journalist and spokesperson Dr. Wendy Walsh supports 5 Hour Energy by saying that other energy boosting products are loaded with unknown herbal stimulants. Is that any worse than potentially harmful preservatives that don’t even contribute to the effectiveness of the product?
That 2:30 Afternoon Feeling
The most popular commercials for 5 Hour Energy show the typical office environment with people who are tired and relying on coffee to get through the day. They point out that the energy provided by coffee won’t last and will leave you coming back for more. Despite this legitimate criticism of coffee, caffeine is one of the key ingredients of 5 Hour Energy. In fact, according to their website, 5 Hour Energy contains about the same amount of caffeine as a “premium cup of coffee.”
Although there’s a decaffeinated version of 5 Hour Energy, it clearly isn’t the one that’s been advertised so heavily, and even if the effects of 5 Hour Energy really do last longer than coffee, it’s still not the long term answer to “that 2:30 afternoon feeling” that so many people experience on a regular basis.
A Better Way to Have 5 Hours of Energy and More
Using a product like 5 Hour Energy on occasion is unlikely to do much harm, especially if it’s one that contains fewer unnatural ingredients, but doing so on a regular basis is asking for trouble. This is because it only addresses the symptoms of fatigue and neglects the underlying causes of it. Furthermore, because the artificial boost in energy allows you to push yourself beyond your capacity, it’s likely that the fatigue will worsen over time and may even lead to adrenal fatigue or other more serious health issues.
Fatigue is typically a result of poor diet, inadequate rest, excessive and persistent stress, or too much physical exertion, and in many cases, it’s a combination of these factors. Instead of correcting these problems, most people look for a quick and compensatory fix like 5 Hour Energy. Over time, this can lead to chronic and persistent fatigue, and I can tell you from personal experience that it’s quite unpleasant. By implementing much healthier lifestyle habits, I now have much more energy, and it remains consistent throughout the day. I never have the desire for an artificial energy boost, and whenever I’m unexpectedly tired, I think about the potential causes and take action to correct them. This may mean getting to bed earlier, being more careful about my food choices, dealing with stress better, or simply slowing down, but it definitely doesn’t involve any type of energy product like 5 Hour Energy.
In addition to having more energy, this type of mentality has also made it possible for me to enjoy many of the other benefits of optimal health. To learn more about some of the healthy lifestyle principles that have helped me tremendously improve my energy and my life in general, sign up for my free course, 7 Simple Steps to a Leaner, Happier, and Healthier You.
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Not to mention spending four to eight bucks a day on these silly concoctions. Taking a B-Vitamin Complex Tablet with a Caffeine pill would probably elict the same effect and cost less than a dime. I’m not sure why caffeine pills are so taboo while these guys are selling in the millions per month. Clever marketing has a tendency to clobber common sense.
I completely agree, Dave! I can see the argument of caffeine pills being worse if the dosage is much higher, but in general, it definitely seems like a glaring inconsistency that results from deceptive marketing.
Hi Vin, we have similar products over here in the UK that are likely to explode in the next few months as they are being heavily marketed. Never have trusted drinks like this, although I do like the occasional Red Bull, very occasional. Some great research here as always.
Hi Steven, thanks for your comment! It’s interesting to know that 5 Hour Energy hasn’t become popular in the UK yet. I see that Red Bull has, though.
While I’ve been guilty in my more naieve past at consuming energy drinks, I’ve come around to the perspective of energy drinks, coffee and alcohol as debts that have to be repaid. Do you really think you can get something for nothing, especially if consuming them day after day? I, unfortunately, have first hand knowledge in this respect.
The brain is very good at adapting to incoming stimulai, and whether you are depressing your CNS with alcohol, or boosting it with caffeine, your brain will try to compensate the next time around. If you miss the depressive or stimulative effect of what you are consuming, your brain is still going to ramp it self up, or lower itself down, in anticipation of what’s supposedly coming.
Hence, caffeine or alcohol withdrawal. Not fun!
Hi Arlo, thanks for your comment!
Yes, relying on an artificial source of energy is definitely a debt that needs to be repaid. This is the primary point that I was trying to emphasize through this article, and it applies to any type of mood altering substance, not just 5 Hour Energy. The adjustments made by the brain will also impact the physiology of the rest of the body which is part of the reason why substances like caffeine and alcohol can do more than simply alter mood.
I have to admit that I haven’t had a chance to read your article yet Vin but I’m definitely passing this on to someone that consumes these regularly….gotta help get the word out!
Thanks, Alison! I hope the information is helpful to whoever you chose to send it to.
Just popping in to say I appreciate this article, Vin. I have passed it on to a few who I know “rely” on such 5 Hour supplements regardless of me telling them it’s for the worst.
Be well.
Thanks for your support, Dave! As I said to Alison, I hope the information is helpful to whoever you share it with.
I usually try to avoid this kind of stuff. I tend to view these products as highly overpriced coffee/cola substitutes. On the caffeine front, I didn’t start drinking coffee until a few years ago. Essentially, I replaced soda with coffee, while searching for a lower calorie alternative to sodas.
As much as I like water, it’s nice to have something different available.
Hi Greg, thanks for your comment!
I agree that it’s nice to occasionally have something to drink other than water as long as it’s not replacing water. A lot of problems can be caused by dehydration and it’s generally not a good idea to rely on beverages such as juice, soda, or coffee as a source of water. This is especially the case with soda and coffee since caffeine is a diuretic.
LOTS LOTS LOTS of people in the south where i live are into these little tiny bottles of energy…they mix them with “BC” powder?? i dunno but it seems every gas station sells them together(along with pigs feet, fried chicken and pickled eggs). they swear it is a cure all
Hi Mallory, thanks for your comment!
I had to look up BC powder to see what it is and it appears to be a pain reliever. I can only imagine why people would mix it with an energy booster. Probably not a good idea!
I’ve seen this in many convenience stores but I have not tried them, and never will. As Vin said, by taking these type of energy drinks you are only ignoring the real health issue. I don’ ever drink coffee, not because I am against is, but because I never really liked it. So how do I stay awake all day? I found it that staying hydrated always help. But my main secret (and you guys should try it): I take one power nap a day (20-30 minutes, in the afternoon). You won’t believe how energized you will fill. Hope this helps.
Hi Emily, thanks for your comment!
I agree, proper hydration and short naps are good ways to improve energy. Equally important are diet, exercise, and adequate rest. Anyone who gives proper attention to these factors will be unlikely to ever need a product like 5 Hour Energy.
Very interesting article. I do enjoy my coffee but more often than not its decaf…just love the flavor and hotness, especially in winter. I also am an occasional consumer of an energy drink, not 5 hour, that is a healthy option next to so many plainly UNhealthy products…but drinking it every day would speak loudly to me about what else I’m doing or NOT doing that’s leaving me so tired….or it might mean I need to make an appointment with the doctor and see what’s going on biologically.
The prolific availability of energy drinks in a grab-and-go fashion makes it too easy to ignore what really might be going on. Great article.
Thanks, Cheryl!
There’s a big difference between enjoying a cup of coffee for it’s own sake, which is generally not an issue as long as it’s in moderation, and relying on it for energy. This can even be the case with energy drinks, but as you mentioned, it’s far too easy to become dependent on them without realizing that it’s masking a problem.
Currently going thru 5 hr energy withdrawl. Went down to half a bottle and the last two days none at all. I’m dying here. It started as a hang-over cure but quickly turned into a daily thing. Just reading your article motivates me more to suck it up and get over it. Thanks!
Hi J.D.,
I’m glad to hear that the article inspired you. Good luck! Focusing on eating more natural whole foods, improving your sleep habits, and reducing your stress might help. If that doesn’t do it, The Mood Cure by Julia Ross has some great information about using food and supplements to balance your mood and energy which may help.
Today I found something in Dollar General for US$1, same size and claims as the product talked about here, but when I read the ingredients, near the end was one that sounded like something that is found in over the counter drugs. Not alcohol, something else that began with the letter “P”.
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I can’t think of it now and I refused to buy it.
Hi Phil,
I’m not sure what the ingredient your referring to might be, but it sounds like you made a smart decision. When you don’t recognize an ingredient or can’t pronounce it easily, it’s generally best to avoid it.
Hey Vin,
Thanks for writing this article… I was curious about the effects of 5 hour energy because I do want to know about what I put in my body. My fatigue is most definitely the cause of a combination of those things and I need to figure address those at the source. My wife will be happy! I just finished grad school and was interning for 30 hours a week and planning the wedding, needless to say I developed some bad habits. Now it’s time to fix them. This is very helpful.
Hi Brendan, thanks for your comment! I’m glad to hear that you found the information useful and will be making more of an effort to adopt healthier habits.
Vin, I’m currently stuck awake.. feeling very weird and concerned for my health.. I had already contacted (5he) and the disclaimer they have on their response is that they will decide the priority of my problem and a response will be made appropriately.. I drink 5 hour energies all the time, and have recently been depending on them.. Well yesterday I had a (5he) in the morning, then a Monster and chips for lunch, then another (5he) around 4ish, then I had a red bull around 8, and ever since I drank that Red bull I have been absolutely delirious and not being able to think and complete sentences properly, trying to sleep scares me as I tried to control my breathing and at the end of my breath I felt my heart fluttering.. it’s actually a little better now.. but I cannot get tired!! oh and also I took 3 of the regular Excedrins, (which is my typical amount, although I know it’s unhealthy) but i know they’re loaded with caffeine.. and as i laid there i was having minor twitches and of course wanting to move, I just don’t know what will help.. and i cannot find out anything on how to treat these symptoms..
Hi Casey,
I’m sorry to hear about your unpleasant symptoms. I think you should discuss them with a doctor. Either way, I also think it would be wise to gradually reduce your reliance on caffeine and energy drinks with the goal of eventually eliminating them entirely, or at least close to it. As I mentioned in the article, there are much safer, effective, and longer lasting ways to improve your energy.
This article was unhelpful to me. I’m an attorney with young kids who don’t sleep through the night. My fatigue isn’t caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits– I’m meticulous about diet and exercise– but by something over which I have little control right now.
Mental sharpness is crucial to my overall productivity at work, and I’m currently having to drink 5-6 cups of coffee just to get through my day. I’m wondering if a single 5 Hour Energy would be healthier for me than all that coffee. My intuition tells me it probably is, but my knowledge of dietary science is limited.
So, since I can’t correct this problem simply by getting more sleep at night, is 5 Hour Energy a healthier choice than multiple cups of coffee?
Hi Ryan,
Regardless of whether we label it “unhealthy” or not, the stress of a demanding job, parenting, and lack of sleep are all aspects of lifestyle that can be very draining, especially when all three factors are occurring simultaneously. I think you may have more control over this than you believe. I’m not suggesting it would be easy, but I bet if you tried hard enough, you’d be able to find some ways to get more sleep and make your job less stressful or demanding.
Relying on stimulants is like borrowing from your future. Your forcing your body to be in a state that it doesn’t currently have the capacity to be in on its own. By doing so, you’re digging yourself into a hole, and the further you dig, the harder it will be to get out. Having been to this point myself, I suggest you do everything you can to find alternatives.
In my opinion, if you’re really pressed, organic coffee would be the best option. It doesn’t contain the additives that 5 Hour Energy does, and it also doesn’t contain the pesticide residues that are likely to exist in regular coffee. However, if a single serving of 5 Hour Energy is really enough to replace all of the coffee that you drink, then you might be right, especially if you add a lot of sugar to your coffee.
I also think it would be worth while to reevaluate your diet and exercise habits, even though you say you’re meticulous. Perhaps you’re too meticulous about exercise meaning that you may be doing too much. With everything else you have going on, your body likely has a reduced capacity for strenuous activity, and if you’re exceeding this capacity on a regular basis, you’re just making matters worse. Also, since you said yourself that your knowledge of nutrition is limited, perhaps you’re not being meticulous with your diet in the most appropriate way. If your diet isn’t already mostly based on whole foods like meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, eliminating refined foods would be a great place to start.
I hope that helps and I hope you consider other alternatives than simply choosing the least harmful stimulant.
people who can’t afford to sleep, like medical students. can’t “sleep earlier”
Hi JD,
Getting sleep is not a matter of being able to afford it, it’s a matter of making it a priority. Even if there’s no way around medical school interfering with your sleep, it doesn’t make the regular use of stimulants any less of a compromise to your health. Regardless of why you’re doing it, you can only borrow from your reserves for so long. Eventually it will catch up to you.
I drink a 5 hour energy every day. I’m pretty sure I’m addicted to them, i buy the 6 packs at wal mart because then they average out to less than $2 a bottle. The only side effect I’ve noticed is that they contribute to my dry skin problem in the winter, probably because of the Niacin. I don’t plan on sustaining this unhealthy habit for life, but it’s my senior year of college; I will get off them when I graduate.
Hi Mike,
I agree that products like 5 Hour Energy are not that likely to cause immediate side effects. However, the point of this article is that using them regularly will eventually lead to compromised health by allowing you to consistently push your body beyond its limits. Most college students are probably not interested in hearing this type of thing, but it would still be best to break the habit as soon as possible. It’s good that you at least plan on making a change when you graduate. When you realize that life after college can be even more hectic, hopefully you don’t revert to the same habit.
The tendency to flood one’s system with these stimulants and chemicals is increased by the irresponsible promotion by athletes and celebreties. Recently Pro golfer Jim Furyk has promoted its use for athletics. This is a disturbing trend and a terrible lesson or todays youth.