Energy drinks. what do we need to know?

There are times when I like a can of lucozade, monster, red bull or another name.  Does it actually do me any good?  what are the truths?

I have done some research from various websites - for and against the drinks.  I am just putting their arguments pro and anti.  These are not my thoughts.

Myth: Energy drinks have “high” or “dangerous” amounts of caffeine.

Fact: The vast majority of energy drinks consumed in the United States – including Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar, AMP, Full Throttle and NOS – have similar or lower levels of caffeine than home-brewed coffee which many Americans enjoy on a daily basis. And many contain about half the caffeine of a similarly-sized coffeehouse coffee. A 16 fluid ounce energy drink typically contains between 160 and 240 milligrams of caffeine, while the same size coffeehouse coffee contains around 300 to 330 milligrams. Moreover, caffeine has been safely consumed around the world for hundreds of years

Myth: Because of the caffeine content, combining energy drinks with alcohol is more dangerous than consuming alcohol alone.

Fact: The United Kingdom’s Committee on Toxicology (COT), an independent committee of experts that provides advice to agencies such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA), was asked by FSA to conduct an in-depth review of alcohol and caffeine. In December 2012, COT published a report which concluded that “the current balance of evidence does not support a harmful toxicological or behavioral interaction between caffeine and alcohol.” Nevertheless, leading energy drink makers have voluntarily pledged not to make claims that consuming alcohol with energy drinks counteracts the effects of alcohol

However, it isnt' all about caffeine.  Many drinks include Taurine - a naturally occurring Amino Acid that plays fundamental biological roles.  Your body should make enough. There is little evidence it helps with physical or mental performance.  They also include Guarano.  It's commonly found in the Amazon, and is used by the indigenous population to increase their energy and alertness. However, it is said that it reallu is just naturally grown caffeine, and will not affect your mood, anxiety of psychological well-being.  There is also Ginseng, a medicinal herb, long thought to improve performance.

But significantly, the biggest argument for these is "sugar". Some 500ml cans contain almost 16 teaspoons of sugar - the recommended daily intake is 7. A 300ml can of Coca-Cola contains 35g of sugar.

Public Health England recommends just 30g of sugar a day.  "For children and teenagers, these sugary drinks could cause obesity and tooth decay.  If a teenager is consuming one 500ml can of energy drink a day, they experience restlessness, difficulty concentrating and sleep issues. They could also end up with a caffeine dependency, which can lead to other addictions such as alcohol abuse and using recreational drugs."