The active ingredient in 5-hour energy is caffeine, plain and simple. Caffeine reduces sleepiness, enhances alertness and restores cognitive function lost due to lack of sleep [6].

For most people, taking a 5-Hour Energy shot now and again is largely harmless. You'd likely receive much more benefit from a cup of coffee thanks to its abundance of organic acids and antioxidants, but if you're in a pinch and need a pick-me-up, a 5-Hour Energy shot will suffice.

5 Hour Energy has become a popular beverage choice for many individuals, particularly for those who need an energy boost to stay alert and focused. While the occasional consumption of energy drinks may not pose a significant health risk, drinking them daily can have detrimental effects on your body.

5 Hour Energy has become a popular beverage choice for many individuals, particularly for those who need an energy boost to stay alert and focused. While the occasional consumption of energy drinks may not pose a significant health risk, drinking them daily can have detrimental effects on your body.

We found little if any research showing that other ingredients on the label - including B vitamins and amino acids - would give the average person a boost. Bottom line. 5-Hour Energy will probably chase away grogginess at least as well as a cup of coffee.

We found little if any research showing that other ingredients on the label - including B vitamins and amino acids - would give the average person a boost. Bottom line. 5-Hour Energy will probably chase away grogginess at least as well as a cup of coffee.

Are energy drinks safe for my child or teen? Energy drinks are not recommended for children and teens because of the amount of caffeine, sugars and other ingredients (like herbs and amino acids) they contain. Caffeine is a drug naturally found in the leaves and seeds of many plants.

Experts say kids should never consume energy drinks.

Bottom line. 5-Hour Energy will probably chase away grogginess at least as well as a cup of coffee. The label warns against drinking more than two bottles daily. Avoid it if you're pregnant or nursing, and don't give it to kids.

Energy drinks are heavily marketed to kids, but energy drinks and kids don't mix. Some parents may not know that energy drinks can actually be harmful for kids' health. Most health professionals agree that energy drinks should be avoided among children and limited for adults.

Think again. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that energy drinks should be totally off-limits to kids and adolescents. A cup of cola contains about 45 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of coffee has about twice that. Energy drinks vary widely, depending on the brand and the size of the can or bottle.

Energy drinks are not recommended for children and teens because of the amount of caffeine, sugars and other ingredients (like herbs and amino acids) they contain. Caffeine is a drug naturally found in the leaves and seeds of many plants. It's also artificially made and added to certain foods.