For his science experiment this year, a middle school student from Boca Raton, Florida decided that he would test the effects of energy drinks on blood sugar. He came up with the idea because the drinks are hugely popular with his friends who feel that the drinks give them a "boost" and was already familiar with blood sugar and testing it because his cousin is a diabetic. Lucas Peel's hypothesis was that the drinks with the greatest amount of sugar and caffeine would produce the greatest increase in blood sugar, giving the drinker a burst of energy.
Over the course of about a week, Lucas drank Red Bull, Rock Star, Amp and water, testing his blood sugar levels twice after each of the three times he tried each drink. He found that, contrary to his original theory, it was "the energy drinks with the least sugar [that] increased blood sugar level." Red Bull boosted blood sugar more than any of the other drinks.
Lucas says that he avoids energy drinks and hopes that his project will help some of his fellow students to realize that they are not a good replacement for a real breakfast.
This isn't the first time that a middle-school student has conducted a science project that attracts a far-ranging interest. Earlier this year, for example, a student in Tampa, FL tested samples of water from the toilets at fast food restaurants and compared it to the ice from the soda machines, only to discover that there were more bacteria in the soda machine than the toilet.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-18-2006 @ 1:01PM
sam dunn said...
would recommand to eat something solid accompany with any energy drinks than rather have empty stomach. Ugh.
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12-18-2006 @ 11:57PM
Sindy said...
In response to the comment about Rhino Two Horns, I wonder about the saftey of the statement "you may drink as much of the product at any time". Would that statement stand true for someone with Kidney disease, hypertension or someone that was prone to an irregular heartbeat. It states that the product contains Potassium. Someone with Kidney disease likely would have issues getting rid of excess potassium. Excess Potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythms. Again could prove dangerous to people who already had issues with this. People with hypertension also have issues with Potassium. Obviously I don't have enough information to make a judgement on these things and those concernes MIGHT be completely unfounded. I have no idea how much Potassium and salts are actually in this drink.The description actually sounds a bit like gatorade or other sports drinks. I just think it is something to think about before "consuming all you want."
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12-18-2006 @ 11:57PM
Harry L said...
Rhino Two Horns is coming to America.
As part of the product services, we would like to mention some of the areas which you may not have realized about Rhino Two Horns.
Unlike other energy drinks, Rhino Two Horns is not a stimulant. Rhino Two Horns does not contain caffeine, preservatives, artificial sweeteners or any other artificial products. Rhino Two horns is all natural and its energy is derived from inter-cellular infusion of a blend of natural salts, potassium, fructose and all natural flavors and colors. We therefore stand by our claim to be both all natural and an energy drink.
You will find that many energy drink formulas have products which may be considered harmful or may need to have warning labels placed on them. Red Bull specifically states:
“Red Bull® Energy Drink is labeled with a recommended maximum daily intake of two 250ml cans daily”
Rhino Two Horns makes none of these claims as you may drink as much of the product at any time.
Red Bull also states: “Red Bull is an energy drink. It has not been formulated to deliver re-hydration”.
Rhino Two Horns stands by its claim that is an energy drink that rehydrates as well.
For more information, email me on harry@rhino2horns.com
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12-18-2006 @ 11:58PM
Dr Electro said...
Diabetics don't dare touch that stuff. The sugar-free varieties even give your blood glucose a kick. I tried one with near disastrous results. Thank God I had insulin with me!
The energy drinks can be dangerous to anyone who is not in or near top physical condition. Anyone with health issues should consult their doctors before using any energy drink.
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12-19-2006 @ 9:26AM
bravoo said...
it's really good experiment,but some sugar free energydrinks are available in market, before taking any energy drinks, doctors suggestion is right choice.any way i appriciate Lucas experiment.
http://www.wonderwhizkids.com/
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12-19-2006 @ 9:27AM
woodrow said...
Actually, the nutrional component not mentioned that would indeed raise blood sugar levels is the sweetener ingredients: Red Bull has sucrose/glucose and the others are High Fructose Corn Syrup - an ingredient any nutristionist will tell you to avoid like the plague. In my experience as a triathlete/endurance athlete, Red Bull has been the only energy drink to actually work as advertised.
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