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Is 5 Hour Energy Drink Bad For You? (The Truth)

a bottle of 5 hour energy drink
5 Hour Energy

Ever wished to have an entire energy drink in an instant? 5 Hour Energy Shots are the answer, giving you an immediate boost in a small package.

While 5 Hour Energy may work in providing you a boost of energy, you might be wondering; is 5 Hour Energy bad for you?

The short answer is, as long as you’re healthy and aren’t downing shot after shot, 5 Hour Energy is definitely not bad for you, especially if consumed in moderation.

To learn more about 5 Hour Energy and come to a decision on whether it’s actually bad for you or not stick around as I analyze the energy drink.

Let’s get started…

5 Hour Energy Nutrition Facts

Here’s what you’ll find in a standard serving of 5 Hour Energy, in an easy-to-read table:

Standard Value5 Hour Energy (1.93 fl.oz)
Energy4 calories
Protein0g
Fat
(Of which Saturated)
0g(0g)
Carbohydrate
(Of which Sugars)
0g
(0g)
Sodium15mg
Potassium15mg
Caffeine200mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)30mg
Vitamin B650mg
Vitamin B12500μg
Choline2mg
The nutritional value of 5 Hour Energy.

How Many Calories Are in 5 Hour Energy?

Each shot of 5 Hour Energy has only 4 calories, which is a pretty small footprint on your diet.

Compared to regular energy drinks, 5 Hour Energy does seem less calorie-heavy, having only a fraction of the calories of a 12 fl.oz Red Bull (160 calories) and a 16 fl.oz Monster (240 calories).

For reference, the daily calorie limit recommended for healthy young adults ranges from 2000 to 2400 calories for women and 2400 to 3000 calories for men.

So the 4 calories of 5 Hour Energy really won’t add much to your overall diet, and you definitely don’t have to throw your entire meal plan out the window just because you have one.

How Much Caffeine is in 5 Hour Energy?

Every 1.93 fl.oz shot of 5 Hour Energy has 200mg of caffeine, which, when considering the drink’s tiny volume, is quite a lot.

5 Hour Energy’s small volume means you’re going to be downing it fairly quickly, and that’s definitely a lot more caffeine in a shorter amount of time than you’re probably used to.

If you happen to be caffeine-sensitive, it’s probably best to stick with regular energy drinks with a lower caffeine concentration.

Of course, if your caffeine metabolism is up for it, downing a shot of 5 Hour Energy is definitely quicker and more convenient than having a regular energy drink.

That said, even if you have a high caffeine metabolism, the FDA recommends that you only have a maximum of 400mg of caffeine in an entire day. Any more than that can lead to notable side effects, namely:

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiousness
  • Increased Heart Rate
  • Digestive Issues
  • Nausea
  • Headaches

Given the 200mg caffeine content per shot, you really shouldn’t have more than 2 shots of 5 Hour Energy in a day, even if you think you need it.

For a more in-depth look at the caffeine and ingredients of 5-Hour Energy Drink you can check the article that I made.

Does 5 Hour Energy Have Sugar?

white sugar falling from the sky
White Sugar

If you’re a health enthusiast, you will be pleased to know that 5 Hour Energy Shots are entirely sugar-free, which is a huge plus compared to most energy drinks.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to the usual sugary energy drinks, 5 Hour Energy may be a pretty good fit due to its sugar-free nature.

You also won’t get a sugar crash after having 5 Hour Energy, which is great if you’re planning on working for longer hours after the energy drink wears off.

Sure, you won’t get that immediate dopamine hit and rush you usually get from a sugary energy drink, but the longer energy boost on top of not having to deal with a sugar crash is a pretty decent trade-off in my opinion.

Are There Artificial Sweeteners in 5 Hour Energy?

While sugar-free5 Hour Energy Shots does have an artificial sweetener, which is sucralose.

Sucralose is a zero-calorie sweetener, so it doesn’t affect the total calories of 5 Hour Energy, giving you that sweet taste without having to worry about the side-effects.

Artificial sweeteners are often a pretty controversial topic, but the FDA has approved them for use, which means they’re safe, especially when consumed in small quantities.

Therefore, as long as you’re not having artificial sweeteners in every meal, the artificial sweetener in 5 Hour Energy Shots shouldn’t really affect your health.

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.

How Long Does It Take For 5 Hour Energy Drinks To Kick In?

It usually takes anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes until you start to feel the effects of 5 Hour Energy, with the effects lasting around 2-5 hours, depending on your caffeine metabolism.

Unlike regular energy drinks where the caffeine is introduced into your system little by little, you get the whole 200mg of caffeine in 5 Hour Energy in seconds.

So it’s pretty reasonable that 5 Hour Energy provides more of an energy spike that gradually decays over time, instead of the more mellow nature of regular energy drinks.

While you’re probably not going to have a full 5 hours’ worth of energy from 5 Hour Energy, you won’t exactly feel tired either, due to all the caffeine present in your system.

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.

Are 5 Hour Energy Shots Bad For You?

As long as you’re relatively healthy and don’t have any pre-existing health conditions, a shot of 5 Hour Energy is perfectly fine and won’t cause any problems for you.

As with any caffeinated product, moderation is definitely key. Just like how you shouldn’t be downing multiple espressos over the course of a day, having too much 5 Hour Energy is probably bad for you too.

The key there is “too much”. Don’t exceed the FDA’s recommended maximum caffeine intake and you should be just fine.

As long as you don’t go overboard and only have it when you need it, 5 Hour Energy is definitely an interesting addition to your caffeine collection, giving you an immediate boost as quickly as possible.

For more info on 5 Hour Energy Drink, in general, take a look at the video below:

Is “5-Hour Energy” Drink Bad For You? – Dr.Berg’s Review

5 Hour Energy Drink Side Effects

The most worrisome potential side-effects from 5 Hour Energy comes from its caffeine content, which can lead to side effects, such as mild headaches to dizziness, to a rapid heart rate.

If you’ve ever had too many cups of coffee, that’s probably a similar experience you might get if you don’t take well to 5 Hour Energy, especially if you’re caffeine-sensitive.

While you may be used to 200mg of caffeine, those usually come in much larger cans, so the caffeine isn’t as concentrated as it is in 5 Hour Energy.

So, even if you’re an energy drink regular, 5 Hour Energy Shots might not be the best idea, simply because you may not used to having that much caffeine in such a short amount of time.

The best way to limit the side-effects of 5 Hour Energy is to have it only when you really need it, and not overdo it by having it more than absolutely necessary.

You might also want to avoid other caffeinated products after having a 5 Hour Energy shot, as you would be nearing the daily caffeine limit as recommended by the FDA.

As always, if you’re not too sure about adding any caffeinated product or energy drink into your diet, the best thing to do is to consult your doctor and get a professional opinion.

What happens when you drink 5-Hour Energy?

Various effects happen when you drink 5-Hour Energy. If necessary, taking 5 Hour Energy every day can be helpful, but it comes with potential risks like irregular heartbeat, trouble sleeping, and headaches. There is no need to worry about gaining weight, as it contains no sugar or carbohydrates.

It’s safe to say that your body wasn’t designed to process the equivalent of 200 milligrams of caffeine in such a short period of time, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a try every once in a while.

Does 5-Hour Energy actually work?

5-Hour Energy is known for its high caffeine content and other ingredients that can provide a temporary energy boost and increased alertness. Many individuals report experiencing the intended effects, such as improved focus and reduced fatigue, after consuming 5-Hour Energy.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness may vary among individuals, and it’s crucial to use such products responsibly and in moderation.

Can 5-Hour Energy make you tired?

While 5-Hour Energy is formulated to provide an energy boost and combat fatigue, individual responses can vary. Some individuals may experience a temporary crash or feeling of tiredness after the initial energy surge wears off.

This can be attributed to factors like caffeine tolerance, individual metabolism, and the body’s natural energy cycles. It’s important to listen to your body’s cues and consume energy products responsibly.

Are 5 hour energies healthy?

5 hour energies are healthy. Even though there’s not much of a chance of getting hurt from using 5-Hour Energy, it’s still worth mentioning. Especially if they take more than two energy shots daily, putting them over the 400 mg limit recommended for adults.

An overdose of caffeine can lead to a number of unpleasant side effects, such as irritability, nervousness, jitteriness, and even headaches and sleeplessness. Caffeine is used in many other forms besides energy drinks and shots, so cutting back on those is essential.

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.

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