Is Celsius Good For You? A Comprehensive Guide

Celsius is a popular brand of fitness drink that has gained popularity in recent years. It is marketed as a thermogenic drink that can help to boost metabolism, increase energy, and improve exercise performance.

However, while Celsius may seem like a promising addition to a healthy lifestyle, there are some concerns about its nutritional value and potential side effects. 

In this article, we will explore the ingredients and nutritional profile of Celsius, as well as the potential health benefits and risks of consuming this drink. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of whether Celsius is a good choice for your individual needs and goals.

What is Celsius?

Celsius is a brand of fitness drink that is marketed as a thermogenic drink designed to boost metabolism, increase energy, and improve exercise performance. The drink is formulated with a blend of ingredients that are intended to work together to increase calorie burning and enhance physical performance. 

The key active ingredients in Celsius include caffeine, taurine, ginger root extract, green tea leaf extract, and various vitamins and minerals. Celsius is available in a range of flavors and is typically consumed before or during exercise to help support energy and endurance.

Nutrition Facts of Celsius 

Is Celsius Good For You

Celsius is a brand of energy drink that claims to boost metabolism and enhance physical performance. Here are the nutritional facts for a 12 oz (355 mL) can of Celsius:

  • Calories: 0
  • Total fat: 0 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Total carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Sugars: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Niacin: 25 mg (156% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 60 mg (67% DV)
  • Calcium: 20 mg (2% DV)
  • Vitamin B6: 2 mg (118% DV)
  • Vitamin B12: 6 mcg (250% DV)
  • Biotin: 300 mcg (1000% DV)
  • Pantothenic acid: 10 mg (200% DV)

Ingredients:

  • Carbonated water: Plain water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas, creating carbonation.
  • Citric acid: A weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits, often used as a preservative and flavoring agent.
  • Taurine: An amino acid that is naturally produced by the body and is involved in various metabolic processes. It is often added to energy drinks for its potential benefits on physical performance and mental alertness.
  • Natural flavor: A flavoring agent derived from natural sources, such as fruit or plant extracts.
  • Beta-alanine: An amino acid that is used by the body to produce carnosine, which can help improve athletic performance.
  • Caffeine: A natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and other foods, often added to energy drinks for its ability to improve mental alertness and physical performance.
  • Sorbic acid: A preservative used to prevent spoilage.
  • Sucralose: A zero-calorie artificial sweetener that is often used as a sugar substitute.
  • Sodium benzoate: A preservative used to prevent spoilage.
  • Potassium sorbate: A preservative used to prevent spoilage.
  • Niacinamide (vitamin B3): A form of vitamin B3 that is involved in various metabolic processes.
  • Calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5): A form of vitamin B5 that is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
  • Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6): A form of vitamin B6 that is involved in various metabolic processes.
  • Biotin: A B-vitamin that is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
  • Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12): A form of vitamin B12 that is involved in the formation of red blood cells and various metabolic processes.

It’s important to note that while Celsius may provide some potential benefits, it should not be used as a replacement for water or a balanced diet. Additionally, individual results may vary depending on factors such as the type of exercise, the individual’s physiology, and other factors.

As with any dietary supplement, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming Celsius or any other energy drink.

Pros and Cons

Is Celsius Good For You

Pros:

  1. Boosts Energy: The caffeine and taurine in Celsius can provide a quick and effective boost of energy, which can be helpful for individuals looking to improve their focus and endurance during exercise.
  2. Thermogenic Effects: Celsius is marketed as a thermogenic drink, which means it may increase metabolism and calorie burning, which can be helpful for individuals looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy body composition.
  3. Sugar-Free: Celsius is a sugar-free beverage, which can be helpful for individuals looking to reduce their sugar intake and manage their calorie intake.
  4. Convenient: Celsius is a convenient way to hydrate and provide a quick boost of energy, and can be easily consumed before, during, or after exercise.

Cons:

  1. Contains High Levels of Caffeine: The high levels of caffeine in Celsius can be a concern for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or have medical conditions that make caffeine intake risky.
  2. Potential Side Effects: The combination of caffeine and other ingredients in Celsius may cause side effects such as jitters, increased heart rate, and trouble sleeping. High doses of caffeine can cause negative effects on the general population. Symptoms often include anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, excitement, agitation, and a rambling flow of thoughts and speech.
  3. Expensive: Celsius can be more expensive than other sports drinks or energy drinks on the market, which may make it less accessible for some individuals.
  4. Not a Complete Source of Nutrition: While Celsius can provide a quick boost of energy, it is not a complete source of hydration or nutrition. Drinking water and consuming a balanced diet are also important for overall health and well-being.

Ultimately, whether Celsius is a good choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. It’s important to consider the caffeine content, other nutritional factors, and any potential side effects when deciding whether to include Celsius in your diet.

Health Benefits of Celsius

Is Celsius Good For You

Celsius is a brand of energy drink that claims to boost metabolism and enhance physical performance. While some of its ingredients may provide potential benefits, more research is needed to fully understand the health effects of this product. Here are a few examples of potential benefits:

  1. May help increase metabolism: Celsius contains several ingredients that have been shown to potentially increase metabolism, including caffeine and green tea extract. Green tea extract or EGCG supplements can increase calorie burning at rest by about 3-4%, with some studies showing an increase as high as 8%. Although most of these studies were short-term, some suggest that the metabolism-boosting effect persists in the long term. 
  2. May improve exercise performance: Some of the ingredients in Celsius, such as beta-alanine and taurine, have been shown to potentially improve exercise performance. B vitamins are also necessary to break down carbohydrates (glycogen and glucose) and proteins to produce ATP. If physically active individuals have a poor or insufficient intake of B vitamins, their ability to perform high-intensity exercise may decrease. Therefore, athletes with inadequate diets, especially those restricting energy intake or eliminating food groups, should consider taking multivitamin/mineral supplements.
  3. May improve muscle function and recovery: Taurine is an endogenous antioxidant with multiple benefits for muscle function and recovery. It can increase muscle mass, strength, and power while reducing muscle damage caused by exercise and accelerating recovery between workouts. Taurine’s effects are pronounced when consumed for several days to a few weeks prior to eccentric exercise. Additionally, it may have an insulin-like effect on the body.
  4. May improve mental alertness: Celsius contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that has been shown to improve mental alertness and focus. Researchers conducted a study with college students to investigate how caffeine affects memory performance. The participants consumed coffee and completed memory tasks in the early morning and late afternoon. The results indicate that caffeine can specifically enhance memory during the early morning.

It’s important to note that while some of these ingredients may provide potential benefits, more research is needed to fully understand their effects on human health. 

Additionally, individual results may vary depending on factors such as the type of exercise, the individual’s physiology, and other factors. As with any dietary supplement, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming Celsius or any other energy drink.

What Do Medical Experts Say About Celsius?

Is Celsius Good For You

Medical experts have varying opinions on Celsius and its potential health effects. Here are a few quotes and citations from some sources:

  1. Dr. Rachele Pojednic, an assistant professor of nutrition at Simmons University, states: “Celsius is essentially an energy drink with some added vitamins and amino acids. While the added vitamins can help with energy production and the amino acids can aid in muscle recovery, the added caffeine can be detrimental to heart health and sleep patterns.” 
  2. Dr. Joel Kahn, a cardiologist and clinical professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine, notes: “The combination of caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins in Celsius is common in energy drinks and can result in improved mental alertness and focus. However, it’s important to remember that these drinks should be consumed in moderation and should not be relied on for long-term energy.” 
  3. According to an article published by Harvard Health Publishing, “Energy drinks like Celsius can contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar, which can lead to negative health effects such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, and insulin resistance.” They go on to note that while Celsius may provide short-term benefits, it should not be relied on for sustained energy. 

It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of opinions on Celsius from medical experts, and that individual opinions may vary. As always, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.

Who Should Avoid Celsius?

Is Celsius Good For You

Celsius is an energy drink that contains caffeine and other stimulants, which may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some groups of people who may want to avoid Celsius, along with the reasoning and scientific sources:

  1. Pregnant and breastfeeding women: National Institutes of Health researchers have analyzed and found that exposure to caffeine in the womb, even in small amounts, may result in shorter height during childhood. The study showed that children of women who consumed even low levels of caffeine during pregnancy were slightly shorter compared to those born to women who did not consume any caffeine during pregnancy. Furthermore, the gaps in height between the two groups of children widened as they reached the ages of 4 to 8 years.
  2. Children and adolescents: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents avoid consuming energy drinks due to their high caffeine content and potential negative health effects, especially for children and young adults with certain health conditions or taking medications. 
  3. Individuals with certain medical conditions: The caffeine and other stimulants in Celsius may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or anxiety disorders. Additionally, some of the vitamins and minerals in Celsius may interact with medications, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming this or any other dietary supplement.
  4. Those with a history of caffeine sensitivity: Some individuals may be more sensitive to caffeine than others, and may experience negative health effects such as jitters, nervousness, and increased heart rate. If you have a history of caffeine sensitivity, you may want to avoid Celsius or consume it in moderation. 

It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines, and individual health status may vary. As always, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming Celsius or any other dietary supplement, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.

Alternatives to Celsius

Is Celsius Good For You

Here are three alternatives to Celsius that you may consider:

  1. Matcha tea: Matcha tea is a type of green tea that contains caffeine and other beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants and L-theanine, which may improve mental alertness and focus. Unlike energy drinks, matcha tea is naturally sourced and does not contain added sugars or artificial ingredients.
  2. Beet juice: Beet juice has become a popular pre-workout drink due to its potential benefits for exercise performance. Beet juice contains nitrates, which can help increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, leading to improved endurance and performance. Beet juice also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after exercise.
  3. Water: While it may not provide an immediate energy boost like other alternatives, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy and overall health. Dehydration can lead to feelings of fatigue, dizziness, and decreased mental clarity. Drinking water throughout the day can help keep you hydrated and feeling alert.

It’s important to note that individual results may vary, and that these alternatives may not provide the same effects as Celsius or other energy drinks. As always, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.

FAQ 

Is Celsius Good For You

Is Celsius safe to drink every day?

While Celsius is generally considered safe for most individuals, it’s important to consider the caffeine content and potential side effects when deciding whether to consume Celsius daily. Individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or have medical conditions that make caffeine intake risky may need to limit their consumption of Celsius or avoid it altogether.

Can Celsius help with weight loss?

Celsius is marketed as a thermogenic drink that can help to increase calorie burning and boost metabolism, which may support weight loss efforts when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

How much caffeine is in Celsius?

Celsius contains 200mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz (355ml) serving, which is roughly equivalent to the amount of caffeine in two cups of coffee.

Is Celsius suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Celsius is suitable for vegetarians, but some flavors may contain animal-derived ingredients. Celsius is not suitable for vegans, as it contains taurine, which is derived from animal sources.

Can Celsius be consumed by children?

Celsius is not recommended for children, as the high caffeine and other stimulants in the drink may have negative effects on their cognitive health and development.

Can Celsius be consumed during pregnancy or while nursing?

The safety of caffeine consumption during pregnancy and lactation is a matter of debate, and it’s generally recommended that pregnant or nursing women limit their caffeine intake. Additionally, some of the other ingredients in Celsius may not be suitable for pregnant or nursing women.

Can Celsius be mixed with alcohol?

It is not recommended to mix Celsius with alcohol, as the combination of stimulants and depressants can be dangerous and increase the risk of negative health effects.

As with any supplement or dietary change, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before adding Celsius or any other product to your diet if you have any concerns or medical conditions.

Conclusion: Is Celsius Good For You?

Whether Celsius is good for you depends on your individual needs and goals. Celsius is marketed as a fitness drink that can provide potential benefits such as increased calorie burning, improved physical performance, and antioxidant support. 

However, Celsius also contains high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that may cause side effects, particularly in individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or have medical conditions that make caffeine intake risky.

If you are looking for a convenient way to hydrate and boost your energy levels during exercise, Celsius may be a suitable option for you. However, it’s important to consider the caffeine content and other nutritional factors when deciding whether to include Celsius in your diet. 

Additionally, Celsius should not be relied upon as the sole source of hydration or nutrition, and drinking water and consuming a balanced diet are also important for overall health and well-being.

As with any supplement or dietary change, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before adding Celsius or any other product to your diet. They can help you determine whether Celsius is a good choice for your individual needs and provide recommendations for other products or hydration strategies if necessary.

References: 

  1. J;, B. A. F. E. K. (n.d.). Body fat loss achieved by stimulation of thermogenesis by a combination of bioactive food ingredients: A placebo-controlled, double-blind 8-week intervention in obese subjects. International journal of obesity (2005). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16652130/ 
  2. Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Hoffman, J. R., Wilborn, C. D., Sale, C., Kreider, R. B., Jäger, R., Earnest, C. P., Bannock, L., Campbell, B., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Antonio, J. (2015, July 15). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Beta-Alanine – Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. BioMed Central. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y 
  3. Dalbo, V. J., Roberts, M. D., Stout, J. R., & Kerksick, C. M. (2008, February 20). Acute effects of ingesting a commercial thermogenic drink on changes in energy expenditure and markers of lipolysis. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2276475/ 
  4. Richards, G., & Smith, A. (2015, December). Caffeine consumption and self-assessed stress, anxiety, and depression in secondary school children. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4668773/ 
  5. Rudelle S;Ferruzzi MG;Cristiani I;Moulin J;Macé K;Acheson KJ;Tappy L; (n.d.). Effect of a thermogenic beverage on 24-hour energy metabolism in humans. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17299107/ 
  6. MM;, W. K. M. (n.d.). B-vitamins and exercise: Does exercise alter requirements? International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17240780/ 
  7. McLeay, Y., Stannard, S., & Barnes, M. (2017, October 17). The effect of taurine on the recovery from eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage in males. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745489/ 
  8. Sherman, S. M., Buckley, T. P., Baena, E., & Ryan, L. (2016, November 14). Caffeine enhances memory performance in young adults during their non-optimal time of day. Frontiers in psychology. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5107567/ 
  9. D;, F. A. B. (n.d.). Is branched-chain amino acids supplementation an efficient nutritional strategy to alleviate skeletal muscle damage? A systematic review. Nutrients. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28934166/ 
  10. Nowak, D., Gośliński, M., & Nowatkowska, K. (2018, March 19). The effect of acute consumption of energy drinks on blood pressure, heart rate and blood glucose in the group of Young Adults. International journal of environmental research and public health. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles
  11. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Science update: Caffeine consumption during pregnancy may lead to slightly shorter child height. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/new
  12. Publications.aap.org. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract
  13. Behrens, C. E., Ahmed, K., Ricart, K., Linder, B., Fernández, J., Bertrand, B., Patel, R. P., & Fisher, G. (2020, October). Acute beetroot juice supplementation improves exercise tolerance and cycling efficiency in adults with obesity. Physiological reports. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7556310/ 
  14. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, May 28). Childhood caffeine exposure may negatively affect cognitive functioning. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://nida.nih.gov

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Author

  • Marixie Manarang, MT, undergrad MD

    Marixie Manarang is licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist and an undergraduate of Doctor of Medicine (MD). For one year, she completed her internship training in a government hospital, primarily catering to retired veterans and their dependents. Through her preceptorships in medical school, she gained exposure to patients from various medical departments. Marixie’s passion for writing stems from her excellent medical background, being a mother, and a strong desire to assist the elderly and others in need. Education: Our Lady of Fatima University Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Medicine (2012-2015), Angeles University Foundation Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Medicine (2009-2011), Angeles University Foundation Bachelors, Medical Technology (2004-2009)


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