With colorful jars and fun flavors like Strawberry Watermelon and Ice Pop, Prime Energy seems harmless. In fact, The caffeinated energy drinks Has quickly become a favorite among athletic teens and tweens. But some People at Tiktok are expressing concern about the ingredients in prime energy and prime hydration.
In addition to the comment on social media, a proposed lawsuit From 2023, the eyebrows have also raised. The suit claims that Prime contains toxic “forever chemicals”, otherwise known as PFAS. According to National Cancer InstitutePFA can increase your risk of cancer. And it is not to mention the high caffeine content of the energy drink, which bears its own set of risks.
Given the ongoing discourse, we asked experts whether Prime is actually bad for you or not. Before you burst up your next jar, read on to see what experts think about Prime’s ingredients, the proposed effects and the potential risks.
Experts displayed in this article:
Naheed AllyMD, PHD, is a doctor and medical writer.
Lauren ManakesRDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Charleston, SC.
Marissa MeshulamMS, RD, CDN, is a New York City-based dietitian and founder of MPM Nutrition.
What is Prime?
Prime is a beverage company founded by viral content creator Logan Paul and Olajide “KSI” Olatunji. According to The official siteThe company’s main goal is to deliver “bold, thirst -cool flavors to help you update, replenish and refuel.” The brand was launched with Prime Hydration in 2022 and was then expanded to include energy drinks, sports drinks and hydration sticks promoted by all-star athletes such as NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and football player Alisha Lehmann.
Prime Energy Ingredient
Prime Energy and Prime Hydration contain a base of vitamins and Coconut waterBut the prominent ingredient in the main energy drinks is caffeine, with 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can. L-Teanin, Taurine, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 are also on the list of main energy ingredients. Prime Energy is marketed as zero sugar and vegan, but it contains the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
The caffeine content is undoubtedly the most about the ingredient, according to several experts, including physician Naheed Ali, MD, PHD. “In particular, the high caffeine content can lead to accelerated heart rate, insomnia, anxietyIndigestion and disturbing drug interactions, especially in excess quantities, “says Dr. Ali. He adds that Taurine, an amino acid, is intended to support a healthy metabolism, but further research on its long -term effects is needed (especially in Prime Energy’s high dose).
Lauren Manaker, RDN, agrees that the level of caffeine in Prime Energy is something to be aware of. “While 200 milligrams are an acceptable amount of caffeine for a person to drink, if you combine this (prime energy) with other caffeinated drinks, Like coffeeYou can easily exceed the 400 milligram limit set by the FDA, she says.
Prime hydration ingredients
While Prime Energy presents some red flags, the ingredients in Prime hydration can actually be advantageous, says Manaker. These include water (the primary component of hydration), coconut water (a natural source of electrolytes) and B vitamins, AntioxidantsElectrolytes and natural flavors.
That said, the drink also contains Artificial sweetener Sacralosis and Acesulfame potassium. The sweeteners used are technically approved for food use by US Food and Drug Administration, but some healthcare professionals worry that Acesulfame potassium may affect metabolic processes and increase the risk of cancer, says Manaker. “While regulatory bodies such as the FDA claim that Acesulfame K is safe for consumption within established guidelines, ongoing research and public skepticism continue to highlight the need for a deeper understanding of its long -term consequences for human health,” she says.
Prime drink
The 2023 Prime atmosphere was submitted by a resident of California named Elizabeth Castillo, who claims that primary hydration drinks are marketed falsely as healthy. Details about the suit reveals that Castillo independently tested the main hydrational drink and found PFA and synthetic artificial chemicals.
The same year Senator Chuck Schumer FDA urged to Investigate Prime Energy drinks (and the main company as a whole). “One of the summer’s hottest status symbols for the children is not an outfit or a toy – it’s a drink – but the buyer and parents look up because it is a serious health problem for the children that it is so feverish,” Schumer said.
Is Prime Energy bad for you?
The defining factor is how often the drinks are consumed. “Prime Energy is not necessarily bad for you, as long as you eat a balanced diet and you do not consume many portions of this drink every day,” Manaker tells PS. Still, she warns consumers about the amount of caffeine. Consumption of caffeine (ie more than the 400-milligram limit set by the FDA) can lead to palpitations, sleep disorders and increased blood pressure, says Manaker. Over time, excessive caffeine can also contribute to more serious health problems such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Marissa Meshulam, RD, says that the artificial ingredients found in main energy drinks can also be problematic. “Artificial sweetener Cause and aggravating bowel problemsCan cause increased appetite later in the day and can stir with our taste buds and get used to hyper-sweet food, “Meshulam tells PS.” If you are Looking for energyI suggest that you are looking for real, balanced meals and drink a cup of coffee, green tea or match instead. ”
It is also important to note that Prime Energy should not be consumed by anyone under 18 (according to the company). Those with a caffeine sensitivity and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also recommended to refrain from drinking the drink.
Is Prime Hydration bad for you?
In general, as long as people drink them in dimensions, Prime hydration should be safe to consume, says Manaker. But the ingredients do not get exactly a green flag from experts. “Although it is impossible to completely avoid PFAS exposure in everyday life, I suggest that people limit their exposure when they have the ability to do so,” says Manaker. She also suggests that consumers avoid the main hydration grape taste (the taste expressly mentioned in the main trial).
Other ingredients that give manakes break include natural taste and added vitamins. “Although natural flavors are not bad, it is difficult to determine exactly what natural flavors are included in this drink, which may not agree with some people,” she tells PS. For people who eat a balanced diet, the extra vitamins and minerals may not be necessary. “Depending on a person’s diet intake (including their intake of certain supplements), consumption of this drink can result in the over -consuming certain nutrients, thanks to the added vitamins and minerals,” warns manakers.
There may also be a chance that Prime Hydration will not work best for everyone. “For some, this may be a healthy alternative for hydration support. But for those who need to replenish glycogen layers by including glucose in their diet, this hydration drink is not the best choice,” says Manaker, explaining that the drink is relatively low in sugar and sodium. “Again, for some, it is A-OK. But for people who sweat and lose many liquids and electrolytes, they may need a choice higher in this mineral.”
In the end, she encourages people to make mistakes on the side of caution and enjoy drinks like this in reasonable quantities. If you are really looking for A little extra hydrationWater is always a safe and restorative alternative.
Is Prime OK for kids to drink?
One of the most important problems with Prime Energy and Prime Hydration is their popularity among younger people, with Tiktok users who accuse the brand of marketing against teens and tweens. Given the high caffeine content of Prime Energy, experts recommend not consuming the drink. Even Prime’s official website explicitly says that Prime Energy is for ages 18 and over. “Prime Energy is not safe for those under 18,” emphasizes meshulam. Manakes recommend that children avoid the main hydration drinks also: “These beverages are formulated based on the needs of adults, not children.”
– Further reporting of Chandler Plante
Ayana Herndon is a New York City-based freelance writer. She has a passion for strengthening color sterns through her writing, which extends over fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in PS and Women’s Wear daily.
Chandler Plante (She/her) is the assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of experience in professional journalism, who previously worked as an editorial assistant for the magazine People and contributes to Ladygunn, Millie and Bustle Digital Group.
