C4 Energy drink is mainly marketed as a pre-workout drink. The drink aims to provide you with the strength and stamina that you crave before an intense day at the gym.
However, the use of this drink does not just stop here. The formula aims to give you a mental and physical boost of energy any time of the day. Whether you are having a tough day at work or a dull day at college, this energy drink is what you need.
Having said that, you have to be careful about what you are giving your body. So is C4 Energy Drink good for you or does it have side effects?
C4 Energy will only cause side effects if it is over-consumed. These side effects will most likely be a result of excessive caffeine in your body due to the drink.
To avoid the side effects limit your daily consumption so do not consume any ingredient above the recommended daily limit.
To further learn about the pros and cons of the drink, I have put together a detailed analysis of the drink. Give it a read!
Page Contents
Nutritional Value
A 16 fl. oz can of C4 Energy contains the following nutrients
| Standard Values | C4 Original Carbonated (16 fl. oz) |
| Energy | 0 calories |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat (Of Which Saturated) | 0g (0g) |
| Carbohydrate (Of which Sugars) | 0g (0g) |
| Sodium | – |
| Caffeine | 200mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 30mg |
| Vitamin B6 | – |
| Vitamin B9 | – |
| Vitamin B12 | 6μg |
| Potassium | 85mg |
Ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients in a single can of C4 Energy drink
- Beta-alanine
- Arginine nitrate (NO3-T)
- 200mg of caffeine anhydrous
- N-acetyl-l-tyrosine
It also contains traces of the following ingredients
- Carbonated water
- L-tartaric acid
- Natural flavors
- Artificial flavors
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame potassium
- FD&C Red #40
Caffeine Content In C4 Energy
C4 Energy comes in four variations, each tailored according to the specific requirements of the consumers. The caffeine content in this drink lies between 120-300mg per serving depending on the type of drink you choose.
The C4 original carbonated contains 200mg of caffeine per serving.
Caffeine is the main source of energy boost in energy drinks. The stimulating properties of caffeine help you stay focused and active for longer hours.
Consuming caffeine before an intensive activity will help you perform better, both mentally and physically. But at the same time, caffeine can be dangerous for your health. This depends upon the amount of caffeine you are consuming every day.
If your daily intake is under 400mg then you are good to go but, if it is more than that then there are consequences.
Some of the side effects of excess caffeine intake include headaches, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
How Much Sugar Does C4 Energy Drink Contain?
C4 Energy drink contains zero sugar.
Usually, most energy drinks contain a good amount of sugar as it helps enhance the activating properties of the drink.
Sugar helps your body gain energy but, it can also harm the health of your body.
Even though sugar intake causes an energy rush, excess consumption of sugar can cause various side effects like weight gain, high blood pressure, and risk of type 2 diabetes.
The good part is that C4 Energy provides stamina minus the risk of sugar side effects.
Artificial Sweeteners
Since the drink does not contain sugar, it uses artificial sweeteners to provide a sweet taste to the drink.
The formula contains two artificial sweeteners, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium.
Sucralose
Sucralose is 400-700 times sweeter than table sugar. It contains zero calories so it does not affect body weight. With no effect on blood sugar levels, sucralose is safe for people with diabetes.
This artificial sweetener is approved safe for consumption by FDA. But we can’t say for sure if it is entirely safe since various studies state otherwise. It is best that you don’t consume sucralose in large amounts at once.
Acesulfame Potassium
Acesulfame Potassium is 200 times sweeter than sugar. Like sucralose, it is free of calories and does not affect insulin levels.
Combined with sucralose, it gives the drink a sweet flavor without the bitter aftertaste.
This sweetener is also approved safe for consumption by FDA.
Energy Inducing Ingredients In C4 Energy
C4 Energy has designed a formula focused on providing an intense boost of energy that will help you perform your best at the gym or in your daily hustle.
The various ingredients work together to enhance your muscle durability and strength while also sharpening your senses. They provide the fuel to your brain and body to help you be at your 100%.
The following components make up the list of active ingredients in the C4 Energy drink
| Active Ingredients | Function |
| Carnosyn® Beta-Alanine | Enhances athletic performance by minimizing the recovery time and maximizing muscle repair and durability. It also helps fight fatigue and stay focused for longer hours. |
| L-Citrulline | Improves the blood flow in the body and strengthens the immune system. Little evidence shows that it contributes to better exercise performance and muscle recovery. |
| Betapower® Betaine | Regulates hydrations and improves metabolism. It also enhances muscle strength that helps you perform better and with ease. |
| N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine | Helps you perform better in stressful situations by increasing the production of certain brain chemicals that help you relax |
How Much C4 Energy Can I Drink In A Day?
You can one can of C4 Energy per day.
Depending on your choice of drink by C4 Energy your caffeine intake will be somewhere between 120 to 300mg. Make sure you choose the drink depending upon your caffeine tolerance.
If we talk about C4 original carbonated, per can it contains 200mg of caffeine. More than one can equals the daily recommended intake of caffeine which leaves no room for caffeine you might intake through other products in your diet.
Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to
- Severe headaches
- Anxiety
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle breakdown
- Insomnia
To avoid these potential side effects, make sure you are keeping a track of your daily intake of caffeine.
Can I Drink C4 Energy Every Day?
You can drink C4 Energy every day if you limit your consumption to one can per day.
C4 Energy contains zero sugar and calories, this means your body is safe from the side effects of these ingredients but with a large amount of caffeine intake, the drink can put a strain on your health if not consumed responsibly.
Excess caffeine intake can lead to a crash. As the caffeine wears out from your body you are left feeling dull and tired which makes you crave the caffeine-induced energy rush yet again. This can lead to caffeine dependency that can be very harmful to your health.
Is C4 Energy Bad For You?
C4 Energy drinks are not bad for you if they are consumed in moderation.
The formula of the C4 Energy drink contains zero sugar and zero calories. This eliminates the concern for the side effects of sugar intake. But the blend does contain 120 to 300mg of caffeine depending on the version of C4 Energy you go for.
The amount of caffeine in C4 Energy drinks will give you a quick and effective boost of energy but you have to be careful about not exceeding the limit of 400mg of caffeine per day.
By tracking your daily caffeine intake you can maintain a healthy body while feeling energetic and active. You must adopt a healthy lifestyle consisting of a proper diet and exercise so the body is not solely dependent on energy drinks as a source of energy.
Side Effects Of C4 Energy
If you are consuming one can of C4 Energy per day, you will experience no side effects.
More than one can per day may lead to side effects related to excess caffeine consumption. With C4 Original carbonated, each drink contains 200mg of caffeine. if your body is sensitive to caffeine then this is a big amount to consume in one go.
The side effects you might experience can be
- Severe headache
- Irritability
- Extreme tiredness
- Muscle breakdown
- Irregular heart rate
If you experience any of the above-mentioned side effects lower the amount of caffeine intake in your diet.
Apart from this, caffeine can also lead to insomnia. To avoid the risk of this potential side effect it is a good idea to consume caffeine at the start of your day, this way caffeine will not interfere with your sleep schedule.
To prevent a caffeine crash make sure you are limiting yourself well below the recommended daily intake for caffeine.
To know more about the side effects of too much caffeine, have a look at this video:
How Long Does It Take For C4 Energy To Work?
The effects of C4 Energy on your body depend upon your caffeine tolerance and lifestyle.
Most likely you are going to feel the effects of C4 Energy immediately after consumption. Your energy levels might peak after an hour and this lasts for about 3 to 4 hours.
If your body is sensitive to caffeine you will experience the maximum energy hit in less than an hour.
If you are consuming C4 Energy before a workout session, consume it 30 to 40 minutes prior. This way you will have high levels of energy when you start your workout.
Flavors Of C4 Energy
C4 Energy drink comes in the following variety
- C4 Original
- C4 Smart Energy
- C4 Ultimate
- C4 Natural Zero
Each version has a unique bunch of flavors. From this long list of flavors, there is something for everyone to enjoy
C4 Original Flavors
- Sour Batch Bros
- Cotton Candy
- Purple Frost
- Orange Slice
- Midnight Cherry
- Frozen Bombsicle
- Twisted Limeade
- Cherry Limeade
- Strawberry Watermelon Ice
- Tropical Blast
C4 Smart Energy Flavors
- Cotton Candy
- Freedom Ice
- Peach Mango Nectar
- Electric Sour
C4 Ultimate Flavors
- Sparkling Tropical Blast
- Sparkling Arctic Snow Cone
- Sour Batch Bros
C4 Natural Zero Flavors
- Cherry Lime
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Strawberry Coconut
Alternatives
Here is a list of drinks that are similar to C4 Energy in terms of energy-boosting properties. Do give them a try as well.
Final Thoughts
C4 Energy drink aims to provide an immediate rush of energy that lasts all day. Therefore the formula is focused on ingredients that give an instant boost to your mental and physical strength.
C4 Energy, like most energy drinks, contains a good amount of caffeine. Therefore you might want to start consuming C4 Energy a bit slow to see how your body reacts to the drink.
If you are used to high amounts of caffeine then C4 Energy will not bother you. However, overconsumption of caffeine has unpleasant consequences in terms of your health.
A good practice is to limit your consumption to a maximum of one can per day.