Statesman

Issue date: 2/25/09 Section: Variety

Media Credit: Joe Olivieri Sophomore Beth Donarski studies while drinking a Coke Full Throttle, an energy drink sold all over campus.

For UMD students, it seems like coffee just doesn't cut it anymore.

Whether you're pulling an all-nighter studying for a test, adding a little boost to your night at the bar or just trying to avoid dozing off in class, chances are you've considered using an energy drink to get you through your day.

During the week of Feb. 8, UMD stores sold about 668 energy drinks, according to Jeffrey Romano, director of UMD stores.

This number does not include any sales from vending machines around campus that also sell a variety of energy drinks.

These beverages are popular among students despite the little information known about any health risks or benefits associated with the products.

But, if you're a college student who's familiar with late nights or struggling to stay awake, popping open a can of Rockstar or Red Bull may seem like just the boost you need.

When asked why he chooses to drink energy drinks instead of coffee, freshman Chris Irving said, "They taste a lot better, they seem to work a lot better and they make you feel really good at first."

Irving also said that he uses the drinks for late nights.

"If I'm up late studying and I'm desperate for some energy, I'll definitely drink it. It keeps me going," he said.

What makes these energy drinks different and seemingly more effective than coffee?

The key lies in the extensive list of ingredients not present in most other caffeinated beverages, like Taurine and Guarana.

Unfortunately, these ingredients are also the reason these beverages may be more detrimental to your health.

Ingredients like Taurine and Guarana have distinctive benefits when used alone, but when combined with high doses of caffeine they are known to cause several adverse side effects including: rapid heart beat, high blood pressure, anxiety and irritability, according to the Mayo Clinic Web site.

"These products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and their claims are not evaluated," said Charlene Harkins, a human nutrition professor at UMD.

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