The 5-Hour Energy drink is a shot-sized energy drink. The drink is meant to give its users mental clarity and a boost of energy to get through their day, with effects that wear off gradually. http://www.5hourenergy.com/product.asp

The 5-Hour Energy drink is not to be confused with traditional sports beverages like Gatorade, which are meant to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during physical activity. Unlike larger, eight- to sixteen-ounce energy drinks, the 5-Hour Energy drink is quick to consume, does not contain herbal stimulants, has only four calories and does not contain sugars that cause blood glucose levels to spike and suddenly "crash".http://www.5hourenergy.com/product.asp

The original 5-Hour Energy shot contains an amount of caffeine equal to one cup of premium coffee, and the Extra Strength formula has caffeine equal to two cups of premium coffee.http://www.5hourenergy.com/5hroriginal.asp While any caffeinated beverage can give you a quick pick-me-up, the “5-Hour Energy” shot also contains B vitamins, amino acids and other essential nutrients that our bodies require to maintain mental clarity, encourage new cell growth, increase the amount of oxygen carried in our red blood cells.http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/14/energy.drink.ingredients/index.html

These amino acids and other nutrients can be found in most healthy, unprocessed foods, but most typical American diets are sorely lacking in many necessary nutrients that keep them in optimum health.http://www.plim.org/SAD.htm While no supplement should be a replacement for a healthy diet, moderate use of the “5-Hour Energy” shot can help get you going when you need the occasional boost to get through a long day or evening.

The 5-Hour Energy shot is considered a dietary supplement and complies with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. While this product does not require FDA approval, the ingredients it contains are Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS).http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/default.htm

The B vitamins and other nutrients contained in the energy shot are water-soluble, and what your body can’t use will be washed out. While it is almost impossible to overdose on these nutrients, the amount of caffeine contained in this product can cause problems in sensitive individuals.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600The 5-Hour Energy drink is available in a Decaf formula for consumers who are watching their intake of caffeine.http://www.5hourenergy.com/5hrdecaf.asp

The high levels of vitamin B3, or niacin, can cause an uncomfortable “niacin flush” which is temporary, but high doses of niacin should only be taken regularly under your doctor's supervision.. Be sure to check with your doctor before using this product if you are on prescription medications to avoid possible drug interactions.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/niacin/CL00036/NSECTIONGROUP=2

Caffeine is a commonly consumed stimulant, and moderate caffeine intake is proven to have health benefits. Two or three cups of coffee a day is the recommended limit, so coffee drinkers should include the 5-Hour Energy shot or any other caffeinated beverages they consume in their daily total.

While experts consider this energy beverage safe for moderate use, the effects of long-term use or excessive consumption have not been researched. Overuse may have adverse effects such as nervousness, sleeplessness, irritability, tremors, flushing, muscle spasms or a temporary lack of muscle coordination.http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/14/energy.drink.ingredients/index.html

While the 5-Hour Energy drink is generally considered safe when used as directed, pregnant and nursing mothers, children under 12 years of age, and patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) should not consume this product.http://www.5hourenergy.com/QandA.asp Those who are under medical care or on prescription medications should consult with their doctor before using the 5-Hour Energy drink or any nutritional supplement.http://www.5hourenergy.com/QandA.asp