Question

1. When we say that something gives us “energy,” what does that mean? What is a biological defi nition of energy? 

2. What is the physiological role of each of the molecules in your table? a. Which ingredients provide energy? How do they do that? b. Which ingredients contribute to body repair, i.e., which help build or rebuild muscle tissue?

3.In what ways might the one(s) that does (do) not have a metabolic energy source (caff eine) provide the perception of increased energy after consumption?

4. How are the ingredients in these drinks helpful to someone expending a lot of energy, e.g., a runner? 

5.Does your analysis substantiate the claim that this is an “energy drink”?  If so, what molecules are the sources of energy? .

6. Could your drink serve different purposes for diff erent consumers? Explain. 

7. What is the normal physiological response to increased intake of sugars? to increased intake of caffeine? 

8. Is there such a thing as a “sugar high”? Explain your answer. 

9. Evaluate, in terms of basic physiology and biochemistry, the statement: A lack of sleep causes a lack of energy.

10. Are the product claims legitimate? Why?

11. Should you simply buy a can of Coke® rather than one of these energy drinks? Why/why not?

Answer 1

1. Energy is the capacity to do work. Something gives energy means like our food is the important source of energy(nutrients i.e. carbohydrates and fats) which gives us the ability to do work.

The biological definition of energy - Energy in the cells stored in the form of ATP. We get energy from carbohydrates and lipids.

2. Ingredients provide energy - Carbohydrates and lipids.

Carbohydrate sources are milk, potatoes, beans, wheat etc.

Ingredients for body repair - Protein

Sources of protein - milk, eggs, soybeans, and pulses etc. Proteins help build or rebuild muscle tissue(Glutamine).

3. Caffeine affects central nervous system. Consumption of caffeine provides a lot of energy to the athletes i.e increases physical stamina.

4. Energy drinks contain sugar which gives instant energy to the runner after exercise. It consists of caffeine as well.

5. Energy drinks contain carbohydrates(sugars)/glucose/sucrose/fructose which boost up runners body with energy.

6. The amount of caffeine varies from person to person as over addiction to this leads to several problems like dehydration, diarrhea and no increase in physical stamina.

7. Increase intake of sugar leads to increase in weight while increase intake of caffeine leads to dehydration, sleeplessness, anxiety, diarrhea, vomiting and depression etc.

8. No there is nothing like 'high sugar' because when we take more sugar in the form of food it makes us lazy and increases weight. It is not related to over-activation/hyperactivation of the body.

9. Lack of sleep causes lack of energy because proper sleep provides time to muscles to get relax and recover if muscles do not relax then it will not work properly and energy get depleted.

10. Energy drinks contain caffeine and lot of sugars which are harmful if taken in excess.

11. Energy drinks are better than coke. Both contains a lot of sugar and both are harmful to our body but coke contains much more sugar and caffeine in it than energy drinks.