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Table 3 Potential ergogenic nutrients contained in energy drinks that may affect cognition and/or mental performance

From: International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinks

Ingredient

Potential ergogenic value

Scientific support

Taurine

Improved mental focus, concentration, serve as antioxidant, glucose homeostasis [21–24]

Some supportive evidence with ED and fed animals [25–35]

Gingko Biloba

Improve memory and mental concentration

Some supportive evidence on memory (e.g., 120 mg/d) [36–39]. No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES.

L-Tyrosine

Prevents depletion of catecholamines, may ameliorate declines in cognition with acute stress [40–47]

Some supportive evidence on cognition (e.g., 2 g/d, 150 mg acute ingestion with cold exposure) [41, 43, 46, 48, 49]. No effects on performance capacity [42, 50]. No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES.

Citicoline

Intermediate in the generation of phosphatidylcholine from choline. Increase dopamine receptor densities and delay memory impairment [51, 52].

Some supportive evidence with large doses (8.5 g prior to and during exercise) and in fed animals [52]. No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES.

5-Hydroxy-L-Trypotophan (5-HTP)

Precursor to serotonin [53, 54]. Purported antidepressant, appetite suppressant, & sleep aid [53, 55–58].

Some evidence in treatment of depression [53, 55–58]and 5-HT fed animals on muscle performance [54, 59, 60]. Role on exercise performance at dosages found in ED and ES is unknown.

St. John’s Wort

Anti-depressant [56–58].

Some supportive evidence [56–58]. No known effects at dosages found in ED or ES.