Throughout the last few articles, we’ve talked a lot about the ingredients and the safety of Zipfizz. But now we reach a new question: does Zipfizz actually work?
Yes, Zipfizz really does give an energy boost. The caffeine present surely can provide the energy and enthusiasm you need to go about your day.
In fact, I experienced a boost of energy for almost 6 hours, just like the manufacturer claimed.
Some things determine if Zipfizz actually serves its purpose in boosting your energy. An important factor is the assortment of ingredients. The ingredients in Zipfizz will show if it works effectively or not.
Keep reading to find out if this energy drink works based on its array of vitamins and minerals.
What is Zipfizz and what’s in it?
Zipfizz is a nutritional supplement with vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and important amino acids that support the immune system and keep you hydrated.
This American energy drink brand is also promoted as a sports drink and comes with lots of flavors and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Caffeine | 100 mg |
| Vitamin C | 500 mg |
| Vitamin E | 15 international units |
| Vitamin A | 2150 international units |
| Thiamine | 0.75 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.85 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2500 mcg |
| Folate | 200 micrograms |
| Pantothenic acid | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Magnesium | 100 mg |
| Zinc | 7.5mg |
| Selenium | 35 micrograms |
| Copper | 0.25 mg |
| Potassium | 950 mg |
| Sodium | 75 mg |
| Chromium | 60 micrograms |
| Manganese | 1 mg |
| Niacin | 10 mg |
| Botanical antioxidant blend | 205 mg |
Listed in the table above are the nutrients found in the Zipfizz energy drink.
The important substances that work to make Zipfizz effective are caffeine and carbohydrates.
Zipfizz also claims that their drink is healthy due to the presence of important vitamins such as Vitamins B3, B6, B12, C, and E and that it has antioxidant properties through their special botanical antioxidant blend.
How does Zipfizz work and is it effective?
So how do energy drinks like Zipfizz boost your energy and increase your alertness?
The process of acquiring energy is actually more or less the same for any energy drink.
As mentioned earlier, carbohydrates and caffeine, respectively, are responsible for giving an energy boost and increasing alertness.
Zipfizz contains 100 mg of caffeine per serving, as you can see in the table.
Sugars are also a key ingredient in providing you with energy, but Zipfizz only contains the artificial sugars sucralose and xylitol, which provide no energy at all.
The small number of carbohydrates in Zipfizz will be broken down into simple sugars to give energy without causing too much of a spike in blood sugar or accumulation of fat.
Okay, but how does this work? First, let’s talk about caffeine then sugar.
As soon as you take Zipfizz, caffeine starts to travel through your blood in a few minutes, reaches the brain, and blocks the hormone adenosine responsible for human sleep.
Zipfizz acts as an anti-sleeping agent with the assistance of caffeine and increases your alertness.
Caffeine actually works to increase your brain function, raise mood, and give you the enthusiasm to work in the right amounts.
This substance also triggers insulin production by the body which makes the liver release the glucose it stores.
A study also shows that caffeine can increase the circulation of epinephrine as well as stimulate the tissues of your body.
However, aside from triggering glucose production, epinephrine causes insulin resistance and impairs glucose control.
So you will notice that caffeine only serves as a trigger for your body to create the sugar glucose so it can be broken down into energy needed by your cells.
Next up is sugar. Zipfizz actually doesn’t contain natural sugar but has the artificial sugars sucralose and xylitol instead.
Sucralose is an artificially synthesized sweetener that is actually 600 times sweeter than sugar. At the same time, xylitol is an artificial sugar found in birch trees and used in chewing gum because it improves dental health.
As I mentioned earlier, these artificial sugars actually do not contribute to energy production since they are flushed out of the body very quickly. They only serve to sweeten the product.
So how long will caffeine stay in your body?
According to experts, caffeine reaches its optimum level in the bloodstream 1 hour after intake and may work significantly for several hours. After six hours, 50% of the caffeine you consumed will remain in your system and, if your energy drink contains sugar, the effects of sugar fade 1 hour after drinking.
These facts demonstrate the effects of energy drinks on your energy levels, alertness levels, and enthusiasm levels and do support Zipfizz’s claim that their product will energize you for 6 hours.
So yes, Zipfizz does indeed work.
How long does the effect of Zipfizz last?
As mentioned before, Zipfizz claims that their product has a lasting energy effect of 6 hours after consumption. But it still might differ from person to person since each individual’s body composition is different.
For example, in my personal experience, I felt an even and moderate boost 30 minutes after drinking Zipfizz and it lasted for around 2 hours so it really is effective but the 6-hour length did not apply for me.
Try out this tasty energy drink to see how long it will keep you energized.
Is Zipfizz actually healthy?
It is printed on Zipfizz’s label that it is a “healthy energy drink.” In fact, it’s the slogan they use for marketing.
But is this product really healthy as they claim?
This is still a debated topic not only for Zipfizz but also for other energy drinks.
Although in my opinion, compared to other energy drinks, Zipfizz is neither healthier nor unhealthier.
Now, apart from personal opinion, it’s time to talk about scientific facts.
The ingredients found in the supplement table are within standard limits. I found no ingredients in Zipfizz that use more than what is needed.
Everything from the vitamins, caffeine, artificial sugars, and botanical antioxidant blend is in standard amounts.
Sugar content in Zipfizz: Sucralose and Xylitol
According to Zipfizz’s product page, there’s no natural sugar in Zipfizz.
The percentage of sugar consumed for daily energy intake by adults and children in the US range from 15-21% and 16-26%, respectively.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, added sugar should be limited to 10% of a person’s daily calories.
Experts in the healthcare field believe that there are lots of potential health risks associated with the excess taking of sugar.
Among them are:
- potential weight gain
- increase in heart disease risk
- increased chance of type 2 diabetes
- increase in cancer risk
Many scientific findings show that excess intake of natural sugar is truly a threat to health especially to children and adolescents and a growing concern.
As a result, many companies have stopped using natural sugar and have started using artificial sugar as an alternative instead.
However, the topic of whether artificial sugar is safer than natural sugar (and alternatives like honey) is still being debated among researchers. But both types of sugars have various possible health benefits as well as health risks.
Natural sugars provide a variety of vitamins and minerals that can keep you healthy but excess consumption may cause weight gain and tooth decay.
Artificial sugars can prevent weight gain and diabetes but excess consumption can create a laxative effect.
Xylitol and sucralose are the two artificial sugars used in Zipfizz. Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sugar that is produced from sugar through a multistep double replacement reaction.
Unlike some other sweeteners, sucralose has no bitter aftertaste making it 400-700 times sweeter than sugar.
As for xylitol, it is a sugar alcohol produced by hydrogenating a sugar called xylose found in wood or from the direct conversion of a plant fiber called xylan to xylitol via genetically engineered yeast.
The substance has a naturally occurring source and boosts your dental health.
Considering the facts above, I think it’s a phenomenal decision by Zipfizz to eliminate natural sugar and replace it with sucralose and xylitol and I believe it gives them an edge over the competition.
Calories
Zipfizz contains a total of just 20 calories. The artificial sugars in Zipfizz are actually zero-calorie alternatives.
In the US, 13.6% of daily caloric intake and 83% of daily added sugar intake is contributed by the consumption of beverages, desserts, and snacks.
Excess consumption of calories through sugars and carbohydrates can accumulate fat and lead to obesity.
Now, we will discuss the other core ingredients like caffeine, the vitamins present, and the botanical antioxidant blend.
Caffeine in Zipfizz
Since I have described earlier how caffeine works to give you energy, I will briefly summarize it in this section as well as talk about the safe amount of caffeine you can take.
Caffeine travels through your bloodstream then passes your blood-brain barrier to block the hormone adenosine. The blocking of adenosine induces the feeling of wakefulness.
Caffeine also causes the release of stored glucose in the liver via insulin as well as the production of new glucose via epinephrine. Caffeine will then stay in your body and continue to work for hours.
Zipfizz contains 100 mg of caffeine extracted from green tea & guarana.
So, is this too much?
Well, the safe amount of caffeine intake is less than 400 mg per day as the FDA recommends.
So if you take Zipfizz moderately and do not exceed taking it 3 servings a day then you do not have to worry.
Vitamin B12 in Zipfizz
Vitamin B12 is easily digested because it is highly water-soluble.
Even if the daily recommendation for vitamin B12 supplements is 2.4 micrograms, anything slightly more than that also won’t harm you as long as you can release it through urine, according to health experts.
So just expect frequent urination after drinking this product.
Now you may notice each Zipfizz tube contains 2,500 micrograms of vitamin B12 (2.5 grams) which is beyond the recommended amount.
Just take note that there is a possibility of adverse effects occurring due to exposure to vitamin B12 (shortness of breath, rash, and fever) especially in people with health problems so consult your doctor if you plan on trying Zipfizz.
Considering all these mentioned above, I think the amount Zipfizz has is not harmful but extreme intake may lead to serious problems. That’s why in my case, I don’t take more than 3 servings per day.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Each Zipfizz serving contains 10 mg of Niacin.
Many biochemical reactions in your body require the presence of the chemicals nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) which are produced from the conversion of niacin.
Niacin deficiency causes serious health problems.
It is suggested that adult men take 16 mg and women take 14 mg of niacin. Since each serving of Zipfizz contains amounts within the safe limit, you will not suffer from side effects with moderate consumption.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a naturally occurring water soluble vitamin. This performs more than 100 enzymatic reactions in the human body, mostly related to protein metabolism. It is extremely versatile with a variety of functions in the body.
Zipfizz contains 1 mg of vitamin B6 in each tube while the suggested amount of daily intake is 1.5 mg to 2.2 mg per day.
And so, the vitamin B6 content in Zipfizz does not exceed the safe limit.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also commonly known as ascorbic acid. Its acts as an antioxidant that protects the body from cell damage caused by free radicals.
Adult men require 90 mg of vitamin C while women require 75 mg of it.
Each serving of Zipfizz contains 500 mg of vitamin C which is way higher than the suggested value.
But there’s no need to be worried as health experts state that you can consume up to 2000 mg of ascorbic acid without ill effects.
Vitamin E
Many foods contain fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E. The antioxidant properties of this vitamin help to prevent damage to cells by free radicals which are formed due to stress and aging.
Vitamin E has lots of health benefits such as:
- lowering the chances of coronary disease
- minimizing the risk of cancer
- preventing Alzheimer’s disease
- minimizing eye disorders
The suggested daily intake for vitamin E is 12-15 international units per day for adults which is roughly 11-14 mg per day. Zipfizz contains 15 international units of vitamin E so it is within the recommended amounts.
Botanical Antioxidant Blend
Zipfizz contains a botanical antioxidant blend but only the total amount of the whole blend is listed not the specific amounts of each ingredient.
Since Zipfizz listed the ingredients present in the blend on their supplement table, I have researched and discussed the risks and benefits of those ingredients in this article I wrote.
However, I have listed the ingredients present in the botanical antioxidant blend and a description of each below for your convenience:
Caffeine anhydrous
Caffeine occurs naturally and is found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa plants. The caffeine can be collected from these plants by isolating it into a powder form.
Since the dehydration process used to collect caffeine anhydrous causes it to be more concentrated, it is much more potent than unfiltered caffeine.
The caffeine anhydrous has lots of benefits as well as drawbacks. For example, caffeine anhydrous can help improve muscle strength but daily overconsumption may increase the chances of getting a fatal overdose.
Guarana seed extract
The guarana plant is native to the Amazon rainforest in South America but is mostly produced in Brazil. Its seeds are used to collect guarana seed extract.
Research shows that this substance boosts energy and may improve memory.
Green tea leaf extract
The green tea leaf extract has antioxidants that aid in weight loss as well as strengthening the brain.
An important antioxidant in this extract is called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG and this substance provides some health benefits that would not exist without its presence.
Alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid as an antioxidant is used in the treatment of diabetes and lowers cholesterol levels in the body. Studies have also shown that it helps obese patients lose weight.
If you have diabetes and/or high cholesterol, ask your doctor if you should take alpha-lipoic acid supplements since this substance is normally produced by the body if you are healthy.
Green coffee bean extract
Raw, unroasted coffee beans are used for extracting green coffee bean extract. A source of caffeine and antioxidants, it is similar to roasted coffee beans.
Green coffee bean extract delivers the same health benefits and health risks as roasted coffee. But how this ingredient affects weight accumulation is yet to be researched.
Grape seed extract
A popular antioxidant used in Europe is grape seed extract. However, it is still being studied if it really does have health benefits.
Grape skin extract
The benefits of grape skin extract are also still being studied just like grape seed extract. Also, both grape seed and skin extract may have the same risks.
But research shows this extract might have potential health benefits if it’s used in combination with grape seed extract.
Zipfizz Flavors
The flavors of Zipfizz energy drink include:
- Pink Lemonade
- Orange Soda
- Black Cherry
- Fruit Punch
- Blueberry Raspberry
- Pink Grapefruit
- Limon
- Peach Mango
- Lemon Iced Tea
- Berry
- Orange Cream
- Citrus
- Grape
- Piña Colada
Can Zipfizz cause weight gain?
You won’t gain weight if you take Zipfizz moderately since Zipfizz contains no sugar and only 20 calories.
Zipfizz may even help you shed some pounds when combined with exercise due to its caffeine content. Taking moderate amounts of caffeine before exercising might help you burn more calories.
What is the best time to take Zipfizz in order to feel its effects?
You need to first figure out when you need an energy boost to know when you should drink Zipfizz. If you need to stay up all night then it’s best to take it during the late afternoon.
I personally love having it as a morning pick-me-up or with a midafternoon snack.
Is it okay to drink Zipfizz every day?
I’m not an expert but I do enjoy energy drinks just like you and I have done my research about this product.
I found that almost all of the ingredients in Zipfizz do not have higher amounts than recommended by health experts.
There is only one ingredient (Vitamin B12) that exceeds the recommended amount but health experts say that it can be flushed out as long as your urinary system is healthy.
Considering all that, you can drink Zipfizz every day if you consume it in moderation and consult your doctor about whether your body can handle energy drinks.
I do highly recommend you drink only three servings at most or, better yet, even less if you plan on drinking this on a daily basis.
Final Thoughts
Zipfizz really works great to boost your energy level and increase alertness.
However, excess intake can lead to serious health problems but moderate intake can give you some health benefits.
So always remember to drink moderately and I assure you this product totally works.
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