MESZ original article · · Publication of the ISSN position stand: 2 March 2023.
Sports science consensus: the ISSN position stand on energy drinks and performance
In some studies, energy drinks improved endurance, repeated sprint performance and alertness. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN)’s 2023 professional consensus, caffeine dose plays the primary role in the beneficial effects. The product studied, the participants and the conditions of consumption also matter when interpreting the findings.
The position stand was published on 2 March 2023 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. The 13-point consensus was approved by the ISSN Research Committee; the document updates the society’s 2013 position stand. Its literature review covers both energy drinks and smaller-volume, concentrated energy shots. [1]
What effects on performance did it find?
According to the ISSN, consuming energy drinks may improve aerobic performance, endurance, repeated sprint performance and performance in certain team-sport tasks. In some studies, drinks consumed 10–60 minutes before exercise also improved mental focus and alertness. These findings concern effects following a single consumption occasion. [1]
At what caffeine doses were improvements found?
The position stand primarily links improvements in aerobic performance to the drinks’ caffeine content, citing doses above 200 mg or above 3 mg per kilogram of body weight. Its statement on pre-exercise alertness and performance also refers to doses above 3 mg/kg body weight. It considers a beneficial effect on the maximum mechanical power output of the lower limbs likely for drinks containing at least 3 mg/kg body weight of caffeine. [1]
These are doses used in studies, rather than universal minimums or personalised consumption recommendations. For a 70 kg adult, 3 mg/kg body weight means 210 mg of caffeine. This exceeds the single dose of up to 200 mg assessed by EFSA, so the two figures must not be treated as equivalent safety reference values.
What does EFSA say about safety?
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), single caffeine doses of up to 200 mg do not raise safety concerns for healthy adults. Under normal environmental conditions, this also applies to caffeine consumed less than two hours before intense exercise. For healthy, non-pregnant adults, a total of up to 400 mg of caffeine consumed throughout the day does not raise safety concerns either. Both values apply to all caffeine sources combined. [2]
A 250 ml can of a typical energy drink containing 32 mg of caffeine per 100 ml contains 80 mg of caffeine. Products may differ, so the label of the particular drink should be checked. Safety reference values are not consumption targets and do not, in themselves, promise improved sports performance.
What role do the other ingredients play?
According to the ISSN, scientific evidence primarily supports the role of caffeine and carbohydrate in energy drinks’ effects on performance. The additional, combined benefits of taurine, B vitamins and other ingredients remain unclear. The authors consider further research into the effectiveness and safety of ingredient combinations necessary. This list does not imply that all energy drinks contain the same ingredients. [1]
Who should avoid these drinks, and what should consumers consider?
The ISSN does not recommend these drinks for children, women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, or people who are sensitive to caffeine. It recommends consulting a doctor beforehand in cases of diabetes, certain chronic conditions or use of medication that may interact with the ingredients. Consuming several servings per day alongside other caffeine sources may lead to adverse effects; the energy content of sugar-containing versions also contributes to daily energy intake. [1]
In Hungary, energy drinks meeting the composition criteria specified in legislation must not be sold or served to anyone under 18. This national sales rule is a separate matter from the ISSN’s 2023 sports nutrition position stand. [3] Hungary’s rules and considerations concerning caffeine intake are also explained on the For retailers and Responsible consumption pages.
How strong is the evidence?
The document is a professional position stand based on a literature review, rather than a new experiment or meta-analysis. It summarises the ISSN’s consensus; its findings do not imply benefits of the same magnitude for every product, sport and consumer. Nor can long-term health consequences automatically be inferred from the effects on performance after a single consumption occasion. [1]
The publication discloses consultancy, research funding and other industry relationships involving several authors. The authors reported no specific funding for this work. These disclosures are part of presenting the source transparently. [1]
Publisher and editor: Magyar Energiaital Szövetség (MESZ; Hungarian Energy Drink Association), an industry organisation. This article is an accessible summary of the cited external publications and the Hungarian authority’s guidance.
Sources
- Jagim, A. R. et al. (2023): International society of sports nutrition position stand: energy drinks and energy shots. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 20(1), 2171314. DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2023.2171314. Open-access full text.
- EFSA NDA Panel (2015): Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine. EFSA Journal, 13(5), 4102. DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4102. EFSA summary and frequently asked questions.
- Hungarian National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection: Frequently asked questions and answers about the ban on selling and serving energy drinks to minors. The authority’s guidance was checked on 12 October 2026.