The following article was written by Tony Chang, M.D. , M.S. of the Shasta Orthopaedics Sports Medicine Team.
In our sports world today, athletes may look for that extra edge-a way to boost energy, improve endurance, quicken reaction speed and counter drowsiness. Many athletes will consume energy drinks, unaware of the health and legal hazards.
In 2003, the NCAA instituted a list of banned-drug classes, including stimulants, anabolic agents and street drugs that are prohibited for use by NCAA athletes. Two common ingredients in energy drinks, taurine and guarana, were banned. Caffeine is considered a restricted substance and not a banned substance.
