5-Hour Energy shots are known for giving you a refreshing and sustained boost in energy. They are offered in small servings of 1.93 fl. oz. which can be downed in seconds.
But the question is, does 5-Hour Energy shot actually work?
To give you a short answer: 5-Hour Energy shots can give you a decent boost for workouts in a short time. Plus, its caffeine can enhance your physical performance to perform better in your exercises.
As you keep reading this article, I’ll reveal how each of the ingredients in 5-Hour Energy shot works.
Let’s get started.
Page Contents
Nutrition Facts of 5-Hour Energy Drink
Here are the nutrition facts of 5-Hour Energy drinks:
| Standard Value | 5-Hour Shot (1.93 fl.oz) |
| Caffeine | 200mg |
| Calories | 4 calories |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrate | 0g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Potassium | 15mg |
| Choline | 2mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 30mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 50mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 500mcg |
5-Hour Energy Drink Ingredients
Here are the ingredients that a 1.93 fl. oz. serving of 5-Hour Energy contains:
- Caffeine
- Purified Water
- Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Sucralose
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Benzoate
- EDTA
- Taurine
- Glucuronic Acid
- Malic Acid
- Niacinamide (Niacin)
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Folic Acid
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
- L-Phenylalanine
- Citicoline
Sugar Content in 5-Hour Energy
5-Hour Energy shots are sugar-free. That’s why you don’t need to bother about experiencing a sugar crash at all.
The American Heart Association (AHA) proposes to keep our daily sugar intake:
- below 36g (equivalent to 9 teaspoons) for men
- below 25g (equivalent to 6 teaspoons) for women
Sugar can be harmful to you if overconsumed. Too much sugar can cause these complications:
- weight gain
- fatty liver disease
- chronic inflammation
- increased blood pressure
- two types of diabetes
If you’re at risk for high blood sugar, you should regulate your sugar intake to avoid any side effects. 5-Hour Energy shots can be a good choice for a quick energy boost.
Sucralose
Sucralose is used to substitute the sugar in 5-Hour Energy shots. Interestingly enough, it starts off as refined sugar and then undergoes a multi-step chemical process.
According to this study, sucralose is 400-700 times sweeter than table sugar. That explains how sucralose can be a perfect sugar substitute. It doesn’t mess with your insulin levels or blood sugar levels.
The FDA approved sucralose safe for general use in 1999.
Calories in 5-Hour Energy
As 5-Hour Energy does not contain any fat, sugar, protein, or fiber, it has only 4 calories.
Compared to its mere 4 calories, a casual energy drink like Red Bull has 110 calories (per 8.4 fl. oz.).
The NHS states that recommended daily intake for an average woman is 2,000 calories and 2,500 for an average man. It will also depend on your height, age, lifestyle, and other factors.
5-Hour Energy is diet-friendly. It can also give you sufficient energy to hit the gym and lose weight!
How Well Does the Caffeine in 5-Hour Energy Work?
5-Hour Energy has around 200mg of caffeine in each serving of 1.93fl. oz. It’s highly effective and can help you to stay awake at night and do better in sports.
Other benefits of caffeine include:
- increased alertness
- improved brain function
- boost long-term memory
- reduces the risk of kidney stones
- weight loss
However, consuming too much caffeine can be harmful to your health.
The FDA recommends that we keep our caffeine intake below 400mg which is equivalent to four to five cups of coffee.
Otherwise, over-consumption of caffeine can lead to these problems:
- restlessness
- insomnia
- addiction
- rapid heart rate
- digestive issues
- fatigue
- muscle breakdown
- higher blood pressure
Drinking 5-Hour Energy shots in moderation is essential to avoid these symptoms.
What Does Taurine in 5-Hour Energy Do?
Taurine is an amino acid that occurs naturally within our bodies. 5-Hour Energy shots contain around 479.9mg of taurine.
It also plays a crucial role in body functions like:
- balancing electrolytes in the body
- regulating calcium levels in certain cells
- creating bile salts
- supporting the development of the nervous system
Moreover, taurine deficiency can also lead to some problems. They are:
- kidney dysfunction
- developmental disorders
- damage to eye tissues
Consuming an energy drink that contains taurine might help you if you have these problems.
How Do the Vitamins in 5-Hour Energy Actually Help?
B vitamins help to turn our food into energy, so they’re very important. 5-Hour Energy shots contain vitamins B3, B6, and B12.
Vitamin Bs make sure that the body’s cells are working properly. They also help to:
- create new cells
- convert food into energy (metabolism)
- maintain healthy brain cells, skin cells
Vitamin Bs don’t have instant effects so you need to follow a well-balanced diet regularly to feel it.
Here’s a table containing the quantity of vitamins with their daily value percentage in a 5-Hour Energy drink:
| Vitamin | Amount in 1.93 fl. oz. | DV% (Daily value percentage) |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 30 mg | 150% DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 40 mg | 2000% DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 500 mcg | 8333% DV |
The amounts of vitamins B6 and B12 can be concerning at a glance, but there’s only little harm if you consume the drink occasionally. On top of that, B vitamins are water-soluble, so our bodies cannot hold them for much longer anyway.
A well-balanced diet contains enough B vitamins. Consuming more won’t further boost your energy levels.
Watch this video below about 5-Hour Energy!
How Long Does It Take 5-Hour Energy to Kick in?
It takes around 10-20 minutes for 5-Hour Energy to kick in, though results may vary
5-Hour Energy is served in tiny bottles of 1.93fl. oz. and is packed with 200mg of caffeine. So, the caffeine is delivered pretty quickly to the body. Most reviews claim it to be 10 to 20 minutes quicker compared to regular energy drinks.
Because of its bottle size, 5-Hour Energy can be your partner if you’re in a rush for an energy boost regularly.
What does 5-Hour Energy do to your body?
What 5-Hour Energy does to your body involves energy boosting. Because it contains a considerable amount of caffeine, consuming it can provide you with an energy boost that lasts throughout the day and makes it simpler for you to focus on your work and other responsibilities.
Caffeine, amino acids, minerals, a proprietary blend of B vitamins, and more all make up the 5-Hour Energy pill. The combination of B vitamins in these shots is used to increase energy and metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and also proteins.
What happens if you drink a whole bottle of 5-Hour Energy?
What happens if you drink a whole bottle of 5-Hour energy depends on your caffeine intake. Usually, an energy boost is given for about 5 Hours. The moderate consumption of energy drinks and shots is fine, but constant use or excessive use all at once can be harmful.
A few of the negative effects may last a long time or be quite severe. When taken excessively, products like 5-Hour Energy can erode tooth enamel. There is also the risk of more serious adverse effects, such as convulsions and kidney damage. Too much caffeine can be fatal.
Does 5-Hour Energy Actually Last 5 Hours?
The experience will vary from one person to the other, but it can definitely last 5 hours.
Depending on your caffeine sensitivity, 5-Hour Energy packs enough caffeine to keep you up for your all-nighters. Though some people report its effects to subside in 3-4 hours.
However, I think taking a few sips instead of drinking the whole bottle at once can give you a boost for a longer time.
How Long Does 5-Hour Energy Stay in Your System?
Depending on your caffeine metabolism and how used you are to energy drinks, 5-Hour Energy stays in your system for around 12 hours.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), caffeine has a half-life of 5 hours taking a total of 10 or more to get it out of your system.
Moreover, if you have a large body mass, it may take longer for the caffeine to circulate your body. 10 hours is just an estimate, and a lot of factors may contribute to how quickly your system eliminates them from your body.
How Many 5-Hour Energy Shots Can You Drink in a Day?
You should drink only one shot of 5-Hour Energy in a day.
5-Hour Energy has around 200 mg of caffeine. It is already a high amount, so drinking two of them in a day can leave you with a caffeine crash. Symptoms of caffeine crash include:
- headache
- inability to concentrate
- irritability
- extreme tiredness
That’s why you should only consume one shot of 5-Hour Energy when you really need a boost. It will make you feel recharged and give you enough energy to go on for a few hours.
What makes 5-hour Energy so effective?
The effectiveness of 5-hour Energy can be attributed to its specific formulation and combination of ingredients, including a concentrated dose of caffeine and other energy-boosting compounds.
The compact size and quick absorption of 5-hour Energy shots also contribute to their rapid effectiveness. However, individual responses may vary, so it’s important to consume it in moderation and be mindful of personal tolerance and health considerations.
Do you feel tired after 5-Hour Energy?
The effects of 5-Hour Energy can vary from person to person when it comes to combating tiredness. While some individuals may feel more alert and less fatigued after consuming it, others may not notice a significant change.
It’s important to recognize that 5-Hour Energy is not a substitute for proper rest or addressing underlying factors causing fatigue. Each person’s response may differ, so it’s best to listen to your body and consider other lifestyle factors that may impact your energy levels.
Alternatives to 5-Hour Energy
If you want to go for a casual energy drink instead of 5-Hour Energy, you can try these:
Conclusion
Overall, I think 5-Hour Energy can help you do a lot with its quick energy boost.
Caffeine is one of its main ingredients which can improve your mood and brain functions. It also stimulates your brain and mood function to make you feel more awake.
However, not everyone is accustomed to consuming high amounts of caffeine in such a short time. If you have caffeine sensitivity, you shouldn’t consume 5-Hour Energy shots. This can leave you with a massive headache. 5-Hour Energy is more suitable for you if you drink around two to three cups of coffee every day.