The Claim

Differences in endothelial function response to energy drinks cannot be explained by caffeine content alone, as beverages with lower caffeine doses (e.g., Red Bull: 80 mg, 5-hour Energy: 230 mg) improved reactive hyperemia index while beverages with similar or higher caffeine doses (e.g., NOS: 120 mg, coffee: 240 mg) did not.

Source: Evaluation of the Effects of Different Energy Drinks and Coffee on Endothelial Function.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
54score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

How it works
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Energy drinks with less caffeine sometimes improve blood vessel function more than drinks with more caffeine, meaning caffeine alone does not determine the effect on blood vessel response.

See the scientific wording

Caffeine content alone does not account for differences in endothelial function response to energy drinks, as beverages with similar or higher caffeine doses (NOS: 120 mg, coffee: 240 mg) showed no significant improvement in reactive hyperemia index, while lower-caffeine drinks (Red Bull: 80 mg, 5-hour Energy: 230 mg) did improve it.

Why this might work

Ingredients in some energy drinks, other than caffeine, boost the production of nitric oxide in blood vessel lining cells and reduce harmful molecules that block blood vessel function, allowing blood flow to improve after a brief pause.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Evaluation of the Effects of Different Energy Drinks and Coffee on Endothelial Function.

    Some energy drinks made blood vessels work better, even if they had less caffeine than coffee or another drink that didn’t help. So caffeine alone can’t explain why some drinks help and others don’t.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.