With a pencil in one hand and an energy drink in the other, students hitting the books may be hitting their body hard.
When it comes to studying, students tend to pull all-nighters, looking to a caffeine source for help. In regards to their health, the source they choose could make all the difference.
Dr. Robert Keith, a registered dietitian and professor of nutrition and food science, said students should take notice of how much caffeine they are consuming. If a student is not accustomed to a large dose of caffeine, it could potentially cause more negative effects than positive and affect their ability to focus.
Many consumers and scientists, however, think energy drinks should come with a warning label. One 16-ounce Rockstar contains 280 calories, 62 grams of sugar and 160 milligrams of caffeine.
Coffee addicts don't get off easily, either. A 16-ounce Starbucks Caffe Latte with 2 percent milk contains 190 calories, 17 grams of sugar and 150 milligrams of caffeine.
Katie O'Reilly, a junior in nursing, recalls the side effects of energy drinks, preferring coffee instead.
"I never drink energy drinks, but I definitely drink coffee," O'Reilly said. "Shocking your body with that much energy at one time will make you less focused and will more than likely have negative effects on your study habits. Before students use energy drinks to stay awake, they should take into consideration the amount of sugar and calories they are consuming."
Keith said safe levels of caffeine consumption depend on each person. If a student is a regular coffee or Red Bull drinker, then the amount of caffeine his body can take will be higher than someone who never drinks caffeine.
Keith also said safe levels of consumption depend on a person's body weight, such as in a measurement of kilograms. One kilogram equals about two pounds.
Some energy drinks could exceed hazardous levels. A 16-ounce Wired X-344 Extreme Energy Supplement beverage contains 344 milligrams of caffeine. Others have been found to contain 500 milligrams.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, caffeine intoxication results from an overload of caffeine consumption, which can lead to many hazardous side effects such as nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, muscle twitching and upset stomach.
Jessica Reaves, a senior in pharmacy, said energy drinks have a different effect for her.
"I think that other study habits are a lot more effective and a lot safer," Reaves said. "I have a lot of energy when I drink energy drinks, but it doesn't enhance my ability to focus and study."
Some study habits for students will never change. Moderation is key. The Auburn Student Center sells coffee at its Starbucks location, as well as in the Outtakes mini-mart. The mini-mart also sells energy drinks, giving students stay-awake options.
However, one large dose of caffeine might not be as beneficial as a couple of small doses over a few hours. Keith recommended a small dose such as a cup of coffee every 3-to-4 hours to keep students going.
When the nail-biting nervousness and panic of finals spread through Auburn, Jan Taylor, owner of Taylor's Bakery, said her walk-in business nearly doubles with students' need for a coffee and caffeine kick.
But, if deciding between the two, which is the better and safer choice?
Besides an extra jolt of oomph, Keith said he does not think energy drinks provide any positive side effects. Coffee, however, contains anti-oxidants that could help prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and could also lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
