People are getting hooked on Energy drinks such as Red Bulls, Monsters, 5 & 7 hour energy drinks, Venum. What is going on here. People are depending on these drinks just as those that depend on coffee for awareness and focus. Does anyone know if these drinks result in prolonged health hazards, as coffee does.---I'd like to know for my medical project research. Thanks... :)

Energy drinks actually contain more caffeine then a cup of coffee. Here is information from the website 'eatrightontario.com':

What is in energy drinks and why?

Caffeine: Caffeine (and also sugar) are the main ingredients in energy drinks that give you the feeling of more energy. The amount of caffeine in most 250 ml sized cans of energy drinks is 80 mg, which is less than a typical cup of coffee. Health Canada says that most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine in a day.

However, the amount of caffeine in energy drink is more than what is recommended for children. Health Canada says that children under 12 years of age should have much less than 85 mg of caffeine a day. What this means is that one energy drink can easily put children over their caffeine limits.

Too much caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness and sleeping problems. It is not recommended that children and young teenagers use energy drinks.

Sugar: Sugar (like caffeine) also provides you with energy, but in the form of calories. A small can (250 ml) is likely to have at least 100-130 calories. However, many energy drinks are sold in much larger can sizes, which would contribute many more unneeded calories to your diet.

Taurine: This is a naturally occurring compound found in some of your body's tissues and in meat and dairy products. It has been claimed that adding taurine to energy drinks will make you more alert, but there is no scientific evidence to support this. We also do not know the long term health effects of consuming taurine in energy drinks on a regular basis.

Medicinal herbs: Many energy drinks contain herbs like Ginseng and Gingko Biloba. Label claims suggest that these herbs improve performance. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Additionally, some herbs can interact with drugs (medications) and other supplements. Be sure to talk to your doctor about using these products if you are taking drugs or other supplements.

Energy drinks makers may also add other ingredients that they say provide extra energy, such as B vitamins and glucuronolactone (a type of carbohydrate). However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

I don't think energy drinks are healthy. I only use those drinks for a quick caffeine hit. I'm fairly healthy and athletic, so I prefer vitamins and mineral supplements over caffeine.

Yeah they aren't good for you but if you drink one let it be 5 hour energy all the others contain a ton of sugar but remember 5 hour still contain sugar just not as much