very occasionally no. most energy shots contain caffeine b vitamins and taurine (an amino acid found in food from animal sources) as well as flavorings and artificial sweeteners. nutritionists are concerned about the interaction of the ingredients in energy shots which do not require fda approval because they are marketed as dietary supplements. brent bauer md director of the complementary and integrative medicine program at mayo clinic in rochester minn. says drinkers may get some energy benefits from taurine but not from high doses of b vitamins. high doses of b6 can cause nerve damage tingling and numbness in the arms and legs. there is also concern about the caffeine content which provides most of the kick in energy shots. energy shot makers are not required to disclose their products' caffeine content although a group of scientists has petitioned the fda to require that this information be listed on labels.
are energy shots bad for you?