Hi

I was wondering if anyone it using any of the new energy drinks? I am referring to Red Bull and the Hansens Functionals lines when I say energy drinks. They claim quit a lot, much of which would be helpful to Dialysis patients. Some are targeted at more energy, I could use more energy now. Some claim a detox effect, hey that is what dialysis is all about.

I took a can of Red Bull in to my nephrologist and had him read over the ingredients. He said it was fine, but sort of laughed at it. It is loaded with caffine and taurine, of course it will give you some energy.

Maybe Ill start an unscientific study of my own to see if they are any good.

thanks
jim
jrickel@fusionone.com

Hi Jim:

Since starting dialysis, I've tried a number of the so-called "energy drinks." A couple of the better ones, I thought, were Boost and Ensure.

Patients have to be careful, though, to recognize the difference between a meal supplement and a meal replacement. Although I haven't taken either since my transplant a couple of months ago, I don't recall high levels of caffeine and both were given OK by clinic dietician.

On a slightly different subject, I've recently tried Vector, a cereal Kellogg's advertises as a "meal replacement." I don't know about that claim, but it does have a healthy list of ingredients and tastes pretty good, too.

A recent story I read said "energy" foods now represents a billion-dollar industry in the U.S. and there are calls for more regulation.

Guess best bet is to clear everything through dialysis clinic dietician or nephrologist.

Best,
Mike

[This message has been edited by Michael Williams (edited 06-14-2000).]

Hi Jim:

Checked out ingredients of Boost and Ensure and neither contains caffeine.

Ensure, which promotes itself as a "complete meal replacement" is made by Abbott Laboratories Ltd., a division of Ross Products. Information on Abbott's products can be found at www.abbott.com.

Boost, an energy supplement, is made by MeadJohnson. Details can be found at www.meadjohnson.com. They, too, distribute a variety of "energy" products.

Mike

Howdy Micheal

Actually I was referring to something a bit different. Ensure and the like are dietary supplements that are packed with calories. I think somewhere between 250 to 500 in a can. People who have trouble maintaining their weight often drink them.

What I am talking about is a caffine packed super soda. I have a can right here, so let me take a look at it. It has 113 calories in a 8.3 oz can. Sort of a lot of sodium at 215 mg. 28gs of Carbos and another 28g or sugars.

Ingredients: Carbonated water, Sucrose, Glucose, Sodium Citrate, Taurine, Glucuronolactone, Caffine, Inosital, Niacin, D-Pantothenol, Pyridoxine HCI, Vitamin B12, Artifical Flavours, Colors

Hi Jim:

Oh, those types of energy drinks! Guess that explains the name Red Bull.


Best,
Mike

Jim: I think I know where you are coming from. My dietition has indicated that the HIGH caffiene drinks tend to be high in potassium, (I am not sure of the connection).
You might check with your hemoglobin status, I use eprex with wonderful success. I have noted that when my fluid level is too high it tires me, especially after I come off. sort of the dehydtration effect.
Also I find that mild exercise increases my energy level (walking).
Though my energy level is not quite the same as it was before dialysis it is actually better than when I was on capd, and I work 3 1/2 days a week and have a very full social life.
Hope this helps.
Nancy