連結：研究：能量飲料僅咖啡因有效（2012/12/16）
英國「每日郵報」網站引述期刊「營養總覽」（Nutrition Reviews）報導說，研究發現，能量飲料雖然常含有牛磺酸、瓜拿納豆、維他命B群和人參等成分，但「這些成分提神的說法，幾乎沒有證據」。
研究人員檢視數十篇討論能量飲料成份效果的文章，發現除了能夠證明葡萄糖和瓜拿納豆有效的微弱證據之外，幾乎沒有證據顯示能量飲料成分有助於提高體能和腦力，唯一的例外是咖啡因。
連結：Do energy drinks contain active components other than caffeine?（NCBI論文）
nergy drinks (EDs) contain caffeine and are a new, popular category of beverage. It has been suggested that EDs enhance physical and cognitive performance; however, it is unclear whether the claimed benefits are attributable to components other than caffeine. A typical 235 mL ED provides between 40 and 250 mg of caffeine, equating to doses that improve cognitive and, at the higher levels, physical performance. EDs often contain taurine, guaraná, ginseng, glucuronolactone, B-vitamins, and other compounds. A literature search using PubMed, Psych Info, and Google Scholar identified 32 articles that examined the effects of ED ingredients alone and/or in combination with caffeine on physical or cognitive performance. A systematic evaluation of the evidence-based findings in these articles was then conducted. With the exception of some weak evidence for glucose and guaraná extract, there is an overwhelming lack of evidence to substantiate claims that components of EDs, other than caffeine, contribute to the enhancement of physical or cognitive performance. Additional well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled studies replicated across laboratories are needed in order to assess claims made for these products.
小編評：附上這篇論文給大家參考，不過最近能量飲料喝死人的事件鬧太大了（見下方iQC舊聞），大家關注的可能不是功效成分是啥了，而是有什麼危害成分…