That being said, if those claims soundprettyvague to you, youre not alone.

Lets see what a sports registered dietitian has to say on the topic.

How functional and conventional energy drinks compare, according to a sports dietitian

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So really, the main distinction between the two is the sourcing method for caffeine.

According to Isaacs, it depends.

Everything in moderation, as they say.

Photography of a apple juice in glasses and apples in a wicker basket on wooden table

Jessica Isaacs is a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics specializing in Performance Nutrition for competitive athletes and high performing recreational athletes. She received a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and is the Lead Sports Dietitian for the Los Angeles Clippers.

So, are functional energy drinks actually better for you than conventional options?

But overall, theyre probably all okay in moderation and have a similar impact on athletic performance.

Just keep an eye out for certain brands that include banned substances if youre a competitive athlete.

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Isaacs also suggests checking out other ways to boost your energy that can help enhance athletic performance.

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Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

Jessica Isaacs is a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics specializing in Performance Nutrition for competitive athletes and high performing recreational athletes. She received a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and is the Lead Sports Dietitian for the Los Angeles Clippers.

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.