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Kim Kardashian has launched a new energy drink called Update, which claims to have zero sugar, zero calories, and zero artificial flavors or colors. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The drink is also caffeine-free and is powered by paraxanthine, a compound the body naturally produces when it breaks down caffeine. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The promotional material<\/a> for Update states that it \u201cdelivers smooth, steady energy without the jitters, crashes, or sleep disruption commonly associated with traditional energy drinks.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The new drink doesn\u2019t rely solely on paraxanthine for energy. Update contains other ingredients commonly found in energy drinks and supplements, including alpha-GPC, often marketed for cognitive performance, and sucralose<\/a>, an artificial sweetener. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIt is important to speak to your healthcare provider about any supplement or energy beverage that you may be considering, even ones that are labeled \u2018natural,\u2019\u201d said Jonathan Jennings<\/a>, MD, board certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cAppropriate dosing is still being investigated, so it is important to follow recommended ingestion amounts,\u201d he told Healthline. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Avery Zenker<\/a>, a registered dietitian at MyHealthTeam, said it\u2019s important to prioritize a healthy lifestyle, quality sleep, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental hygiene, rather than rely on energy drinks for a boost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Healthline spoke with experts about paraxanthine in Kim Kardashian\u2019s energy drink to learn more about this caffeine-free alternative.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Jennings: <\/strong>Paraxanthine is a breakdown product of caffeine<\/a>. When you ingest caffeine, it is broken down in the liver into three metabolites that have different impacts on the body. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Paraxanthine is the predominant breakdown component of caffeine. Theobromine and theophylline are the other metabolites, and [are] associated with the uncomfortable side effects of caffeine such as anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeats. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Zenker: <\/strong>It\u2019s tough to say which is \u201cbetter\u201d since there are numerous factors to consider. Both caffeine and paraxanthine have their pros and cons. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Caffeine might be the better choice for some people, while paraxanthine may be optimal for others. There\u2019s more research on the health impacts of caffeine, as well as more anecdotal evidence. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Caffeine is more widely known due to its popularity in beverages around the world, such as coffee and tea. That said, paraxanthine has some promising emerging research.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Paraxanthine may have some advantages compared to caffeine, such as equivalent or even stronger energizing effects with [fewer] side effects. More research is needed to determine more conclusive differences between caffeine and paraxanthine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n Jennings: <\/strong>There are some preclinical studies<\/a> that suggest that paraxanthine promotes alertness better and for longer periods of time than equal amounts of caffeine. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Rodent studies<\/a> have also demonstrated less toxicity at higher doses when compared to caffeine. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Preliminary data suggest that the elimination of theobromine and theophylline may make paraxanthine more effective, better tolerated, and safer than caffeine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Zenker: <\/strong>There\u2019s significantly more data for the health impacts of caffeine than paraxanthine. Both caffeine and paraxanthine are nervous system stimulants, which promote wakefulness. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Caffeine is known to have potential side effects, especially when consumed in excess, such as anxiety and elevated blood pressure, while paraxanthine may have [fewer] side effects. Paraxanthine may have some additional benefits on cognition and nervous system function that caffeine alone doesn\u2019t exhibit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Paraxanthine is one of the main compounds that\u2019s created as caffeine is metabolized. Paraxanthine isn\u2019t new, but it\u2019s still not widely used in products as much as caffeine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Jennings: <\/strong>L-theanine<\/a> is an amino acid found in tea leaves. There is some Alpha-glycerylphosphorycholine ( A-GPC) is a compound essential<\/a> in the production of neurotransmitter acetylcholine<\/a>, which is important for nerve communication and muscle contraction. Supplementation with A-GPC is believed to assist with maintaining choline<\/a> levels and aid in improving cognition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Methylcobalamin<\/a> is the more bioavailable form of [vitamin] B12<\/a>, which is essential for the body\u2019s protection of DNA, support of brain cells, and immune functioning. There is data that suggests<\/a> this form of B12 offers support to the body for longer periods of time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Zenker: <\/strong>L-theanine is known for its potential to improve attention and reduce anxiety, particularly when combined with caffeine. It has a calming effect that\u2019s often described as relaxed yet alert. The dose of L-theanine matters, too. When the quantity of L-theanine isn\u2019t listed on the label, it\u2019s possible that it isn\u2019t an effective quantity. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n