Are Reign Energy Drinks Bad For You (From A Nutritionist)?

Reign Energy Drinks are a line of performance-enhancing beverages marketed towards athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Monster Beverage Corporation, a well-known player in the energy drink industry, produces these energy drinks.

A can of Reigh Energy drink typically contains a high level of caffeine (around 300 mg of caffeine per can) and other ingredients designed to enhance performance, such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), electrolytes, and CoQ10.

Reign Energy Drinks’ target audience includes fitness-conscious individuals, athletes, and healthy adults needing an energy boost during intense physical activity or long working hours.

With its focus on sports performance, Reign positions itself as a healthier alternative to some traditional energy drinks like Red Bull due to its inclusion of electrolytes for hydration and the absence of sugar, which appeals to low-carb and keto-conscious consumers.

Reign Energy Drinks are available in several flavors, including Sour Gummy Worm, Tropical Storm, Reignbow Sherbet, White Gummy Bear, Razzle Berry, Melon Mania, and Red Dragon. These drinks have zero sugar, 10 calories, and no artificial colors.

They are sweetened with sucralose and contain natural flavors and preservatives such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.

For the flavor Red Dragon, the ingredients listed are:

• Carbonated water
• Citric acid
• L-citrulline
• Sodium citrate
• Natural flavors
• Panax ginseng extract
• L-leucine
• Caffeine
• L-isoleucine
• L-valine
• Sucralose
• Sodium benzoate (preservative)
• Potassium citrate
• Potassium sorbate (preservative)
• Acesulfame potassium
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
• Magnesium lactate
• L-carnitine L-tartrate
• Coenzyme Q10
• Green tea extract (45% EGCG)
• Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6)
• Capsicum oleoresin
• Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12)

Citric acid

Citric acid is a weak acid typically found in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. Beverage manufacturers use citric acid to give their products a citrusy flavor.

Overconsumption of drinks that contain citric acid can cause dental problems over time because it is corrosive. 

Natural Flavors

The term “natural flavors” in food and beverage products, like Reign Energy Drinks, is often vague and lacks a clear, standardized definition. While it may sound pure and wholesome, “natural flavors” can refer to any flavor compounds derived from plant or animal sources that undergo a great amount of processing.

Many extraction methods used in processing these flavors involve chemical solvents, high heat, preservatives, and other additives that aren’t necessarily healthy, and consumers aren’t properly informed about the specifics.

Companies are not required to disclose the exact processes or ingredients involved, leading to concerns about ingredient transparency.

As a result, “natural flavors” may not be as natural or healthy as the term would have us believe, and consumers may be unknowingly consuming substances that don’t align with their expectations of health and purity.

Sucralose

Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener commonly used in low-calorie and sugar-free products, including Reign Energy Drinks. While it offers the benefit of sweetness without calories, sucralose has been associated with several potential health concerns.

Studies suggest that sucralose may negatively impact gut health because it alters the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, which may cause digestive issues and a weakened immune response. 

Additionally, consuming artificial sweeteners like sucralose regularly has been linked to metabolic dysregulation. It may contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Some research also raises concerns about its effects on glucose tolerance. Although sucralose is marketed as safe for diabetics, it could impair the body’s ability to manage blood sugar levels over time. 

Potassium Sorbate

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative commonly used in manufactured food products and beverages to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria growth, extending the product’s shelf life.

While generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA in small amounts, potassium sorbate has raised health concerns in certain situations.

Additionally, while rare, there are concerns that overuse of preservatives like potassium sorbate can disrupt gut health, as they may impact the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Benzoate is another preservative used in products like Reign Energy Drinks. While it is generally considered safe in small quantities, sodium benzoate has raised concerns about its potential health effects when consumed regularly or in higher amounts.

One of the main concerns is that, when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium benzoate can form benzene, a known carcinogen linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Although the levels of benzene typically found in food and drinks are considered low, continuous exposure over time may still pose a risk. Another point to consider is that sodium benzoate has been associated with hyperactivity and behavioral issues in children. 

Sodium

Sodium is included in Reign Energy Drinks primarily to help with hydration and electrolyte balance. It’s essential for maintaining fluid levels in the body and supporting nerve and muscle function during intense exercise. However, high sodium intake can pose significant health risks.

Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension), which is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Excessive sodium intake can also cause water retention, leading to bloating and increased strain on the heart and kidneys.

For individuals with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, kidney disease, or heart problems, it’s essential to limit sodium consumption.

In the context of energy drinks, where sodium is often combined with other stimulants, the overall impact on cardiovascular health can be concerning, especially with regular consumption.

Caffeine

Caffeine is the primary stimulant in Reign Energy Drinks, with each can containing a high dose of 300 mg—equivalent to nearly three cups of coffee. While caffeine can increase alertness, energy, and focus, consuming this much in one sitting can lead to significant health issues.

For many people, 300 mg of caffeine can cause jitters, anxiety, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure, especially for those sensitive to stimulants.

Overconsumption of caffeine may also lead to insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, which can affect overall well-being and cognitive function.

Long-term excessive caffeine consumption can also result in caffeine dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability, and fatigue.

It’s important to monitor your caffeine intake to ensure these side effects don’t occur.

Therefore, while Reign Energy Drinks may provide a quick energy boost, the high caffeine content can have concerning effects on health if not consumed with caution.

Reign Energy Drinks is a quick and convenient energy boost.

With no added sugar, it appeals to individuals looking to avoid excess calories more commonly found in other energy drinks or sugary beverages.

Reign also includes BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), electrolytes, and vitamins, which may support muscle recovery and hydration during physical activity.

While Reign Energy Drinks are a convenient way to boost energy, they also have several unhealthy aspects that consumers should be aware of.

The high caffeine content—300 mg per can— can cause increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, especially for those sensitive to stimulants. Preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate raise concerns, as these additives may cause adverse reactions.

Additionally, Reign contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener that has been linked to potential gut health issues and metabolic disturbances. Though intended for electrolyte balance, the high sodium content can elevate blood pressure and water retention if consumed excessively.

Furthermore, the vague term “natural flavors” can be misleading, as it often hides chemically processed ingredients that are far from natural. These factors make Reign less than ideal for those seeking a truly healthy energy boost.