What Are the Benefits of Monster Energy Drinks?

Monster Energy drink isn't the healthiest beverage choice, but it's not all bad. If you're looking for an energy boost, Monster may help, and there's some evidence that it may be beneficial to athletes. Monster is also a good source of a number of B vitamins. If you drink energy drinks, talk to your doctor about risks and benefits specific to your health.

Both the regular and low-calorie versions of Monster Energy drink are a good source of four out of the eight B vitamins. One serving meets 100 percent of the daily value for vitamin B-12, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B-6. The B vitamins work to get energy from the food you eat, and as water-soluble vitamins, they're not stored in your body and you need a regular supply to meet your daily needs.

While the B vitamins help extract the energy from the food you eat, it's probably the caffeine in the drink that gives you the boost of energy. One 8-ounce serving of the energy drink has 80 milligrams of caffeine. For comparison, an 8-ounce cup of coffee has anywhere from 130 milligrams to 240 milligrams of caffeine.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, which is how it gives you that boost of energy. Most adults can handle up to 400 milligrams of caffeine without feeling any adverse effects such as nervousness, irritability or upset stomach, according to the University of California at Davis, though those sensitive to caffeine might still have side effects with less.

Drinking an energy drink, such as Monster Energy drink, 10 minutes to 60 minutes before you exercise may improve overall athletic performance, including focus, alertness and endurance, according to a 2013 position statement on energy drinks from the International Society of Sports Nutrition. ISSN reports that the carbs and caffeine in the drinks are responsible for the improvement. However, ISSN also notes that energy drinks are not appropriate for every athlete because of their high sugar content and the effects they may have on blood sugar and insulin levels.

While Monster Energy drinks offer some health benefits, there are some concerns about its effect on health, specifically the thought that more is better. A study published in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy in 2009 saw an increase in both blood pressure and heart rate in a group of study participants after they consumed two cans of an energy drink at one time. Also, if you don't account for the calories in the energy drink, they may lead to weight gain.