5 Hour Energy Caffeine Comparison

You've probably heard the report of popular caffeine drink 5-hour energy being connected to several deaths because of 'over-dosing' on caffeine.  I personally take 5 hour energy drinks every weekend that we go out on the town, so this naturally had me in a panic.

First: How much Caffeine is Too Much Caffeine?

According to an article from this past April in the Huffington Post, 200mg of caffeine is within a normal range (around 2 cups of strong coffee).  However, more than 500 mg per day can lead to an addition, anxiety, or even hallucinations.

According to guidelines published by the University of Illinois, even up to 300 mg of caffeine per day could be considered a moderate amount.


So is 5-hour energy really a crazy amount of caffeine (mg)? - Weighing in around 200 (mg) of caffeine, no.  A single 1 hour energy is well within a normal range.  Two would even be below the 'danger zone' according to the Huffington Post article. 

Comparing 5 Hour Energy to other Popular Caffeine Drinks:

What's crazy about 5-hour energy is that (according to the Center of Science in the Public Interest) it contains almost 4 times the caffeine in a 12 oz Mountain Dew - something as a kid I was told had 'too much caffeine.'  Even crazier, to consume the amount of caffeine in two 5 hour energy drinks, one would have to drink 5 red bulls! More comparisons are shown here:

The fact that 5 hour energy is so small makes one forget just how powerful it can be, and how much caffeine you're really taking in - especially if consuming too much.  My advise: make sure to read the ingredients and pay close attention to the recommended amounts on the label.  They're there for a reason.

So - is 5 Hour Energy Okay to Drink?
Yes, within reason.  Pay attention to the label - drink only a single dose.  If you have to drink two, make sure they are hours (um, 5 hours?) a part from each other.  Do not exceed two in a day to stay away from the threat of the negative affects of too much caffeine.