By Vincent O Onywera

Some athletes who train hard frequently complain about energy drain and fatigue. Good coaches would remind their athletes to regularly consume adequate fluids and food (hydronutrion) to minimise early fatigue and to maximise performance and recovery, the concept of an energy drink thus fluid and food together in a bottle is appealing and practical.

Having more energy can improve one’s capacity for work, a desirable characteristic for all and especially for active individuals. However, in addition to good hydration and sufficient energy, an athlete needs adequate rest, frequent meals or snacks, and optimal consumption of carbohydrates to help feel energised. Moreover, there are likely to be additional elements that cause fluctuations in various messengers in the brain that can lead one to feel energised; these elements may have nothing to do with either food energy or hydration status.

Other than water, most of the products marketed as energy drinks contain carbohydrate and caffeine as their principal ingredients. Carbohydrates provide nutrient energy and caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. Some energy drinks may also contain a wide variety of other ingredients such as pyruvate, protein, vitamins, etc.

Athletes must be made aware that energy drinks are not appropriate substitutes for optimal fuel and fluid and may have no bearing at all on how energised they feel. In addition, athletes should be educated about these products. For example, some energy drinks do not contain the stated ingredients, many are not cost-effective means of obtaining carbohydrate, and certain products may actually impair athletic performance.

But why are these "energy" products so appealing to athletes? Many athletes, who need to engage in competitive or even recreational sports, continue with their careers and personal lives, finding time for optimal eating and drinking might not be easy. This is because they are simply too busy to "eat". For such athletes, drinking an energy drink may be perceived as a quick way to consume extra energy to get through the day, compensate for a perceived deficiency in vitamins, minerals, herbs, or some other nutrient, boost endurance, expedite recovery from exercise, burn fat, increase lean muscle mass, or improve brain function.

— Dr Onywera is a lecturer at Kenyatta University, Department of Exercise, Recreation and Sport Science. He is also attached to the IAAF Athletics Academy at the university.