Energy Shots

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi, Jordan.

I have a question regarding 5 hour energy shots.

I wake up at 4am and am at the gym by 5am.

I know your stance regarding informed choice/sport, NSF, USP, and BSCG.

I’m looking to use 5 hour energy extra strength(230mg of caffeine), because I’m trying to save time and not have to mix a pre-workout in the morning.

do you see energy shots as more of a food product than a supplement?

Or are energy shots something you’d want 3rd party tested?

some caveats:

  1. I’m a slow metabolizer and sensitive to caffeine so, I’m trying to stay on the low end of the 3-6mg/kg of caffeine range.

  2. I don’t drink coffee

  3. I’m only interested in supplementing creatine and caffeine.

  4. I don’t want to consume caffeine pills

Is this a reasonable solution, or do you have safety concerns regarding energy shots?

also, what about RTD pre-workouts, is that something you’d want 3rd party tested

Just looking for a tasty convenient way to get some caffeine in the morning…

thanks for your time.

-Brad

2

I don’t think they’re food and I would want them to be 3rd party tested in order to feel comfortable about putting it in my body.

I think there are a number of self-imposed limitations here that, while totally fine, make it hard for me to make a recommendation. I’d probably pick a tea or some RTD supplement that’s 3rd party tested if I had to pick something here. Or I’d just skip the caffeine entirely if you’re not a habitual consumer.

3

Would energy drinks be a safer option, since they’re not really considered supplements?

By habitual consumer, do you mean drink caffeine every day?

I’m currently consuming Peri-RX 3 days per week out of 5 training days, because I don’t want to build a tolerance.

I don’t consume any caffeine other than that.

I know of a company that uses “Supplement Safety Solutions” logo on their products, would this be safe to consume?

Thanks again for your time.

4

I would not draw the line on safety between food products and dietary supplements. I don’t have an issue with energy drinks personally and think they’re generally safe when consumed in reasonable quantities.

Yes, by habitual consumer I mean multiple times per week. I would favor using PeriRx (or similar supplement) on all training days, as there’s not a decrease in performance or need for a higher dose due to habituation.

I don’t know anything about the company you mentioned.