Cognitive influence of a 5-h ENERGY® shot: Are effects perceived or real?

With the gain in popularity and use of 'functional energy drinks' (FEDs), manufacturers of these beverages have been making greater claims as to their benefits on a number of performance factors including mental alertness, energy, and physical performance. Few experimental studies have been conducted on FEDs, and no study to date has examined their effects over time. This study looked at the effects of consumption of a 5-h ENERGY® shot (5-HES) on various cognitive functions across five hours on 24 college-aged students using a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-based design. Participants completed a series of five computer-based tests before ingesting the beverage (either 5-HES or placebo) and then completed the tests for each of the next five hours (morning to midday). One week later, they repeated the process with the other beverage. While 90% of participants subjectively thought that the 5-HES was effective at one-hour post-ingestion, no evidence was found to support an enhanced effect on recognition, reaction time, short-term and working memory, or attention capacity. In conclusion, the 5-h Energy Shot® did not significantly improve short- or long-term cognitive function for selected computer-based tasks despite a high level of perception that it was working effectively compared to a placebo with college-aged participants.