Caffeine
Energy drinks do not fall under the same regulatory category as sodas and often have higher levels of the stimulant than indicated. For comparison, a 6.5 oz cup of coffee contains 80 to 120 mg of caffeine, tea has about 50 mg, and a 12 oz cola cannot have more 65 mg. Energy drinks have significantly higher amounts, with the most well-known brands containing anywhere from 154 mg in a 16 oz Red Bull to 505 mg in a 24 oz Wired X505. Coffee for Sports. Coffee and energy drinks do share caffeine in common. However what you need to recognize first and foremost is that coffee has higher concentrations of caffeine which will have more of a sudden impact on the central nervous system. Here are some of the ingredients you may find in popular energy drinks and what they do in the body: 1  Ephedrine-A stimulant that works on the central nervous system. 2  It is a common ingredient in weight-loss products and decongestants, but there have been concerns about its effects on the heart. Caffeine. Caffeine is the most widely used drug on the planet and has been used for centuries for its stimulating effects. This common stimulant is found naturally in coffee and tea, but is also placed in energy drinks and soft drinks by manufacturers. Most energy drinks contain between 70 and 200mg per can. 1  An 8oz cup of drip coffee contains 110-150mg. 2  65-125mg/cup of percolated coffee. 3  40-80 mg for instant coffee.
http://healthland.time.com/2013/02/04/whats-in-your-energy-drink/ http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/16121/1/Coffee-VS-Energy-Drinks.html http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/energy-drink.htm http://www.caffeineinformer.com/energy-drink-ingredients
what do coffee and energy drinks have in common