食品伙伴網(wǎng)報道，據(jù)美國營養(yǎng)成分網(wǎng)8月19日消息，最新發(fā)表的2篇論文對能量飲料是否可作為運動飲料以及是否對減肥節(jié)食有效提出了質(zhì)疑。
來自美國佛羅里達的諾瓦東南大學(xué)的研究人員，對市場上現(xiàn)有的能量飲料的潛在益處做了調(diào)研，研究結(jié)果發(fā)表在了 Physician and Sportsmedicine雜志。

    目前市面上的能量飲料不僅作為能源補充者的角色出現(xiàn)，而且還扮演了運動飲料的角色。研究者稱：大部分的具有功能增強性的能量飲料都與其含有咖啡因密不可分，雖然咖啡因?qū)Φ脱踹\動的影響會改變，但人們卻一直關(guān)注它對有氧運動的增強的一面。同時，能量飲料中含有大量的糖，高糖水平和果糖的通便作用可能會導(dǎo)致腸胃不適，且相對于腸道的吸收率來說，能量飲料中的糖濃度過高，并不是很理想的運動飲料。

    而在減肥這個問題上，雖然有一些數(shù)據(jù)顯示，能量飲料和運動相結(jié)合可減少體內(nèi)的脂肪，但研究者說，不要忘記，能量飲料中含有大量的糖，在咖啡因和大量的糖同時存在時，會導(dǎo)致肥胖。

原文報道：

Are energy drinks cut out for sports and slimming?

By Guy Montague-Jones, 19-Aug-2010

Two newly published papers have questioned how effective energy drinks are as sports drinks and whether they have a role to play in weight loss.

Writing in the Physician and Sportsmedicine, researchers at Nova Southeastern University in Florida reviewed current evidence on the potential benefits of energy drinks.

The drinks are now being promoted not just as energy boosters but as sports beverages but evidence is mixed on their suitability. Assistant professor Stephanie Ballard said: “Most of the performance-enhancing effects of energy drinks can be linked to their caffeine content. Caffeine has been consistently been observed to enhance aerobic performance, although its effects on anaerobic performance may vary.”

Sugar content

Energy drinks are also not simple vehicles for caffeine consumption. In a review on energy drink use and safety for athletes in Physician and Sportsmedicine, scientists said they contain significant quantities of sugar, which could work positively or negatively in pursuit of better sporting performance.

On the upside, the researchers wrote: “The sugars in energy drinks (particularly glucose) may act synergistically to enhance the effects of caffeine. When consumed in sufficient amounts, the sugar may be used as carbohydrates in loading regimens to enhance exercise performance.”

However, high sugar levels and the laxative effect of fructose may cause gastrointestinal distress. In addition, the scientists said: “The high concentration of sugars in energy drinks tends to slow the rate of fluid absorption from the intestine; therefore, it is not ideal to consume energy drinks before or during exercise.”

Weight loss

On the subject of weight loss there is plenty of conflicting evidence, and a lot appears to depend on how and how much energy drinks are consumed.

Ballard said: “Although some data suggest that combining energy drink use with exercise may enhance body fat reduction. Increases in burning calories and losing weight are likely subject to diminishing returns as users become habituated to caffeine.

The scientist added that it is important not to forget that energy drinks are loaded with sugar. “Despite their use for weight loss, energy drinks may be contributing to the obesity epidemic alongside less caffeinated, sugary drinks like soda.”

原文地址：http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Are-energy-drinks-cut-out-for-sports-and-slimming