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There are many different energy drinks currently sold in Canada. Energy drinks can be purchased at grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores as well as in concession stands located in sport facilities. They are often displayed alongside soft drinks, juices and sports drinks. Energy drinks cause mental and physical stimulation for a short period of time. They usually contain caffeine, taurine (an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein) and glucuronolactone, a carbohydrate. These ingredients are intended to fight fatigue. People consume energy drinks to keep up their energy during periods of intense physical activity or drink them after exercise to quench their thirst. But rather than re-hydrating their bodies, these drinks may actually lead to dehydration. Energy drinks are not the same as sports drinks, they can contain as much caffeine as one cup of coffee (or more). Energy drinks are a stimulant and provide a short burst of energy. Giving youth energy drinks can have negative side effects including poor sleep, bedwetting and anxiety. Although the various sugars used to sweeten energy drinks can briefly increase energy, consuming large quantities of sugar is likely to cause weight gain. Caffeine is a stimulant, which also can temporarily perk you up. But too much caffeine can cause adverse side effects, such as nervousness, irritability, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and insomnia. Energy drinks are not necessarily bad for your health. But they are not a "natural" energy boost — the boost they give is from caffeine. Some of the claims made by manufacturers of energy drinks — such as "improves performance and increases concentration" — can be misleading. Consider a better way to boost your energy: Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. These strategies not only will increase your energy in the short run, but also will help you maintain your overall physical and mental fitness in the long run. For athletic activity, it's healthier to drink noncaffeinated, low-sugar beverages to prevent dehydration. If you decide to consume an energy drink, read the label and research how much caffeine it contains. If you have heart disease, be cautious about energy drinks and talk to your doctor for individual recommendations. **All text cited from: (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/prod/energy-energie_e.html#is) (http://www.newsandevents.utoronto.ca/bios/askus5.htm) (http://www.hornetjuice.com/sports_drinks_index.html) (http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/health/redbull/index.html) (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/energy-drinks/AN01630)