Is G FUEL Bad for You? Ingredient Breakdown

Is G FUEL bad for you

Published: October 20, 2019
Last updated: August 6, 2021

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Prior to taking this or any other supplement, please consult your doctor. Esports Healthcare disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, as it does not establish, nor does it imply, doctor-patient relationship.

This is a review of the supplement facts and not a recommendation to consume this product. Collectively, these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This review is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

NOT FOR CHILDREN

Due to its caffeine content, G FUEL should not be consumed by children under the age of 18 years. This statement reflects the stance by the American Academy of Pediatrics which discourages the consumption of caffeine and other stimulants by children and adolescents.

Introduction

G FUEL® (https://gfuel.com) is among the most popular products boasting increased energy and focus for gamers. With an already impressive list of high profile gamers and organizations as affiliates, G FUEL is certainly doing a great job living up to their slogan as “The Official Energy Drink of Esports®”

But, what about the product? Is G FUEL bad for you? Their supplement formula is designed to provide energy without using chemicals, additives, or sugars. Directly from their website:

Our original goal was to create a 100% clean, natural, and healthy alternative to sugar-loaded Energy Drinks.

gfuel.com FAQ

But, do they follow through on their original goal? Well, we decided to review the supplement facts and give G FUEL a rating.

Note: this review was for the G FUEL energy formula (mix powder) and not the ready-to-drink formula (cans), which may vary.

Supplement facts explained

is g fuel bad for you

Calories: 10 to 25

Calories are units of energy for your body, provided by macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat). A Calorie excess will cause you to gain weight, and a Calorie deficit will cause you to lose weight. With just 10 to 25 Calories (depending on the flavor you buy), consuming G FUEL will not drastically alter any daily consumption goals you may have.

Total fat: 0

Fat is a macronutrient with 9 Calories per 1 gram. Calories from fat are the preferred energy system for your body in a resting state (lack of physical activity) and during steady-state aerobic activity.

Fat is not a necessary ingredient in an energy or performance drink as the beneficial effect of dietary fats for focus are long-term rather than fast-acting.

Carbohydrates: 2 g to 5 g (maltodextrin)

Carbohydrates are a macronutrient with 4 Calories per 1 gram. Calories from carbohydrates are the preferred energy system for working muscles. The source of carbohydrates in G FUEL is maltodextrin, a carbohydrate additive made from corn, rice, potato starch, or wheat.

Although not sugar, maltodextrin can increase your blood glucose. At 2 to 5 g per serving (depending on which flavor you choose), though, a large blood sugar spike is unlikely. Still, those with diabetes or insulin resistance should always be aware of ingesting foods/drinks that can affect their blood sugar.

Carbohydrates are also not necessary in an energy or performance drink since they are not associated with improved focus. Poor quality carbohydrates may actually cause a rebound lack of focus as described below.

Sugars: 0 g

The lack of sugar means it would be less likely to have a blood glucose spike following the ingestion this supplement. However, blood glucose levels may still rise due to the maltodextrin and sweet flavor.

Elevated blood glucose would be less likely for healthy individuals, but this can still trigger insulin release and subsequent cravings for sugary food/drinks.

With increased blood glucose through ingestion comes increased insulin, the hormone responsible for storing energy. The activity of insulin brings your blood sugar back down, and if your blood sugar becomes even slightly lower-than normal, you may experience symptoms.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia (lower-than normal blood sugar) may include fatigue, weakness, craving sugary foods/drinks, mild dizziness, tunnel vision, and anxiety.

Following high carbohydrate or high sugar meals, it is common to experience fatigue and lack of focus (among other symptoms) when your blood sugar comes back down.

Zero sugar and low carbohydrate means you are less likely to experience this reactive hypoglycemia or “sugar crash.”

sugar cubes

Sucralose

Sucralose is a sugar substitute and a common ingredient in diet soft drinks and other beverages for sweetness.

Sucralose is noncariogenic. It resists hydrolysis in the human digestive tract, being excreted unchanged in the feces, and the very small portion absorbed is rapidly eliminated in the urine. Therefore, it produces no glycemic response and is virtually noncaloric. Following safety testing and toxicological studies in humans and animals, the FDA concluded that sucralose does not pose any carcinogenic, reproductive, or neurological risk.[1]

SWEETENERS | Others by M.B.A. Glória

In healthy individuals, consuming the sucralose in G FUEL should not be an issue. If you have been diagnosed with type-I diabetes, metabolic syndrome (type-II diabetes), have issues with your digestive tract, or have any concerns about ingesting this ingredient, please discuss with your doctor before supplementing with G FUEL.

Quantity and acceptable daily intake

Although the quantity of sucralose is not explicitly listed on the label, you can calculate the maximum amount of sucralose that could exist based on the other measurements. In G FUEL, sucralose cannot exceed ~120 mg based on the measurements of other ingredients.

According to the FDA, the established acceptable daily intake (ADI) for sucralose is 5 mg per kilogram of body weight. For visual, the ADI is equivalent to 23 packets of SPLENDA®[2]. Therefore, for the average, healthy adult, the amount of sucralose in G FUEL is well within the FDA’s ADI.

Acesulfame Potassium

Acesulfame potassium is another artificial sweetener commonly used in zero-calorie or zero-sugar soft drinks. It is described to be 200 times sweeter than sugar. The FDA approves the use of this ingredient as a non-nutritive sweetener and states, “more than 90 studies support its safety.”[2]

Artificial sweeteners and gut bacteria

Officially, Esports Healthcare offers this statement: there is evidence that suggests artificial sweeteners such as sucralose may have an inhibitory affect on the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.

In our search for the supporting evidence, we have not found research studies that test this theory directly. Instead, we found studies that have been performed on rats, with environmental bacteria (vs. gut bacteria), or with gut bacteria outside the human body[3]. Therefore, we follow the FDA’s current guidelines since we believe the current evidence is not strong enough to claim sucralose is harmful.

Of course, if new, stronger evidence is published indicating sucralose causes harm, we will certainly edit this section accordingly.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): 250 mg

Vitamin C is involved in many processes. Most commonly, vitamin C helps fight bacterial infections and helps detoxify your body. Additionally, it is important for the production of collagen in fibrous tissue, teeth, bones, connective tissue, skin, and capillaries.

Since it is water soluble, vitamin C can be taken in high doses without harm. Note that significant ingestion (thousands of milligrams) will eventually cause flushing of your bowels, known as an osmotic laxative effect.

Vitamin E (as D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate): 10 mg

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect cells from free radicals and supports immune function. Vitamin E is also beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Since it is fat soluble, it is not recommended to take in significantly high doses.

Niacin: 15 mg

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a micronutrient; the most commonly discussed uses for niacin are for reducing heart disease. Although, the evidence on Niacin’s affect on heart disease is inconsistent, and many experts are opposed to the use of niacin for altering your lipid profile.

Niacin is also used in the brain for energy and focus, and this is likely the reason for its use in G FUEL.

Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCl): 10 mg

Vitamin B6 is important for the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) are involved in regulating emotions and maintaining cognitive function.

Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin): 10 mcg or 425 mcg

In G FUEL’s newer flavors, it appears they have significantly reduced the quantity of vitamin B12 from 425 mcg to 10 mcg. Regardless, it is water soluble vitamin which means you will absorb what you need and excrete any additional B12 via urine.

Vitamin B12 is involved in many processes of the nervous system. It is involved in nerve cell support, it reduces neurotoxicity, decreases nerve pain, and is generally neuroprotective.

Most importantly for gaming, vitamin B12 improves memory, concentration, and motor control. The methylated form of vitamin B12 is more readily absorbed, and it is the preferred variant of this vitamin for an all-natural energy supplement.

Choline (as Choline Bitartrate): 80 mg

The most important function of choline is in the formation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction. Insufficient acetylcholine results in muscle weakness.

Sodium (as Sodium Chloride): 79 mg

Sodium is an electrolyte mineral, and sodium chloride is simply table salt. Electrolytes are minerals that are necessary for nerve impulse (or electrical activity). The other electrolyte minerals are potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

The amount of sodium in this product very low; therefore, it is unlikely that this amount of sodium will have a noticeable effect on any bodily functions. It is more likely that this ingredient was added as a preservative or for improved taste.

coffee beans

Energy complex (1.79 g to 1.85 g)

The energy complex includes multiple ingredients: Taurine, L-Citrulline Malate, Caffeine (140 mg to 150 mg), Glucoronolactone, N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl, and Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) Seed Extract. A similar combination of these and other ingredients is common among many energy supplements.

Read about each of these ingredients below.

Other than caffeine, the G FUEL supplement facts label does not specify the amount of each ingredient but rather the cumulative total at 1.79 g or 1.85 g depending on which flavor your choose.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid (nitrogen-containing protein molecule) that is important for functions in the brain, eyes, heart and skeletal muscles.

For gamers, important functions include regulating electrolyte balance, particularly calcium, which is important for reducing fatigue with repeated muscle contraction.

L-Citrulline Malate

Citrulline is another amino acid. Citrulline malate has been shown to increase energy and recovery by increasing blood flow (and therefore, oxygen) to muscles. Additionally, it plays a necessary part in the urea cycle, which is the process of detoxing nitrogen from your blood.

Caffeine (140 mg to 150 mg)

Caffeine is a well known neurological stimulant, most notably in coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Caffeine increases nerve firing and has a positive effect on reaction time, wakefulness, concentration, and motor coordination. This amount of caffeine is similar to that of a medium-sized cup of coffee. For more detailed information on the mechanism of caffeine in the brain, check out our page on healthy sleep habits. Esports Healthcare recommends a maximum daily dose of 200 mg caffeine per day for healthy adults in order to maintain healthy sleep habits.

Glucuronolactone

Glucuronolactone is added to many energy drinks as a detoxifying agent. The role of this substance, as it naturally occurs in the human body, is to aid in detoxification. Supplementing may assist in these processes.

N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl

L-Carnatine is a nutrient in your body formed by amino acids lysine and methionine with the assistance of vitamin C. It is involved in energy production by mobilizing fatty acids.

In its N-Acetyl form, L-Carnatine also has a positive effect on brain function.

Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) Seed Extract

Mucuna pruriens is a plant native to India, the Caribbean, and tropical regions of Africa. There are many health benefits, but the most notable are the positive effects on the nervous system. Velvet bean, as it is commonly named, aids in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease, may decrease stress, and may improve mood.

There are anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties of Mucuna pruriens, as well.

Note: Mucuna pruriens is an L-Dopa herb. If you are taking an SSRI, MAOI, or other medication for mental/emotional health, check with your doctor beforehand to make sure G FUEL is safe for you.

Focus complex (1,001 mg)

The focus complex, like the energy complex, includes multiple ingredients including L-Tyrosine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, and Adenosine-5-Triphosphate Disodium Salt (ATP).

Unfortunately, the label does not list the amount of each but rather a total of 1,001 mg (or ~1 g).

L-Tyrosine and N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid meaning your body will form tyrosine from other amino acids. In this case, phenylalanine is the main precursor. While it’s non-essential, it does exist naturally in foods high in protein such as chicken, turkey, fish, and dairy.

Tyrosine helps with the formation of neurotransmitters (molecules in which nerves communicate with one another), namely dopamine, epinephrine, and norepineprhine.

  • Dopamine: most well-known for the “reward pathway” in your brain
  • Epinephrine and norepinephrine: also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline—these hormones are responsible for the hyper-vigilance and focus of your “fight or flight” response to stress, anger, or fear.

Because of its role in producing these neurotransmitters, supplementing may enhance their function. Tyrosine is therefore a common ingredient in energy supplements and pre-workouts.

Tyrosine is present in its free form and in the N-Acetyl- form. The N-Acetyl- form of this amino acid is generally more water soluble which would be beneficial for a powdered-mix. However, its conversion back to the active form may be reduced when present as N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine.

According to the FDA, tyrosine (in either form) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS).[4]

Adenosine-5′-Triphosphate Disodium Salt (ATP)

ATP is the primary source of energy for cells. Therefore, adding additional ATP is believed to provide additional energy for working cells. However, research is not overwhelming in support of this claim.

Overall, research appears to be inconclusive. To summarize, there appears to be no significant improvement in blood levels of ATP. However, researchers suggest there may be a delay in fatigue and may improve muscular adaptation to exertion.[5,6,7]

Ultimately, there is not strong enough evidence to support the notion that supplementing ATP may improve focus. It is also unlikely that supplementing ATP would be harmful.

Antioxidant complex (26 mg)

The anti-oxidant complex consists of just 26 mg of a long list of potential ingredients. If each of the ingredients is present in every flavor, each one of the 18 ingredients exists in extremely low amounts.

There is pomegranate fruit extract followed by 17 different fruit powders. The purpose of anti-oxidant ingredients is to bind to any free radicals and to help eliminate toxins from your body.

Since fruits are rich in anti-oxidants, it is reasonable for G FUEL to use fruit powders as a natural anti-oxidant.

Citric acid

Citric acid is naturally occurring in citrus fruits—hence the name, “citric” acid—and is the source of the sour taste of lemons and limes. According to HealthLine, “Manufactured citric acid is one of the most common food additives in the world. It’s used to boost acidity, enhance flavor, and preserve ingredients.”[8]

According to the FDA, citric acid additive is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption, and “the ingredient is used in food with no limitations other than current good manufacturing practice.”[9]

Silicon Dioxide

Silicon dioxide is a food additive used for anti-caking. In other words, it is added to powdered products (such as G FUEL) to prevent the powder from clumping together. Like citric acid, silicon dioxide is GRAS according to the FDA.[10]

Dyes (food coloring)

For the G FUEL powder mix, artificial dyes are used. Each of the dyes used in G FUEL are on the US Food and Drug Administration’s certified color additives[10]. Similar dyes are used in supplements and prescription drugs for many purposes including differentiation, identification, and comfort (e.g., brighter colors for children’s medications or supplements).

The FDA states FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) may cause allergic-type reactions (including bronchial asthma) in certain susceptible persons. For more information about the FDA’s certified color additives, please visit FDA.gov.[11]

Certified color additives are synthetic colorings that are used widely for intense, uniform color, and because they blend easily to create a variety of hues. These additives are classified as certified because they are required to undergo certification every time a new batch is manufactured.

US Food and Drug Administration

How much lead is in G FUEL?

G FUEL lead

Due to its natural ingredients, there are trace amounts of lead in G FUEL which requires a warning on the label to comply with California’s Proposition 65.

Unfortunately, the tested quantity of lead in G FUEL is not publicly reported by G FUEL or the Environmental Research Center.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, California’s Proposition 65 warning amount is 25 times lower than the amount of lead that would need to be consumed, daily, to create an issue of blood toxicity[12].

The FDA describes this as their Interim Reference Level and can be found on this web page under the collapsible heading, “FDA Monitoring and Testing of Lead in Food, including Dietary Supplements and Foodwares.”

For peace of mind, the lead in G FUEL occurs due to absorption of lead from the soil when cultivating natural ingredients. The same trace amount of lead can be found in other products that have natural ingredients, and the Environmental Research Center has not filed a grievance against G FUEL since adding the warning label to their products.

Follow the instructions for suggested serving size, and always consult your doctor before taking a supplement such as G FUEL.


Our review: Is G FUEL bad for you?

reviewing documents

The ingredients in G FUEL are not unique to their supplement. Vitamins such as C, E, and B-complex along with Taurine, L-Citrulline, Caffeine, Glucoronolactone, and L-Carnitine are a common “energy blend” for many other energy supplements.

However, some of these ingredients come in different forms. For example, methylated-B12 is the best choice for absorption and use for energy. G FUEL appears to have done their research for such examples.

Furthermore, their amounts per serving are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for normal consumption.

Our opinion of the supplement facts, overall, is not bad. G FUEL does not appear to be harmful for the average adult consuming the recommended daily serving. With 0 sugar, it is also a healthier alternative to sugar-loaded energy drinks. Please note, we are not suggesting G FUEL is healthy; we neither believe nor suggest that consuming G FUEL will improve your health. We are simply stating that, based on the ingredients, G FUEL does not appear to be harmful.

Ultimately, we still suggest drinking water vs. any artificially flavored beverage. And, if you want a boost (and you are not a child or adolescent), consider black coffee, green tea, or other natural sources of caffeine. Natural and unaltered ingredients are usually a healthier option.

References

  1. Hofman DL, van Buul VJ, Brouns FJ. Nutrition, Health, and Regulatory Aspects of Digestible Maltodextrins. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2016;56(12):2091-2100.
  2. M.B.A. Glória. SWEETENERS | Others. Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second Edition) 2003:5695-5702.
  3. US Food and Drug Administration. Additional Information about High-Intensity Sweeteners Permitted for Use in Food in the United States. Latest update: 02/08/2018.
  4. Corder B, Knobbe A. The effects of the artificial sweetener sucralose on the gut bacteria Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes. The Journal of Experimental Microbiology and Immunology 2018;4:1-9.
  5. US Food and Drug Administration. (Tyrosine) CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Latest update: 09/19/2019.
  6. Ilja CW Arts, et. al. Adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) supplements are not orally bioavailable: a randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over trial in healthy humans. J. of Intern Soc of Sports Nutr. 2012;9:1-9
  7. Jacob M Wilson et. al. Effects of oral adenosine-5′-triphosphate supplementation on athletic performance, skeletal muscle hypertrophy and recovery in resistance-trained men. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2013;10:57.
  8. John A Rathmacher et. al. Adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) supplementation improves low peak muscle torque and torque fatigue during repeated high intensity exercise sets. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012;9:48.
  9. Van De Walle. What Is Citric Acid, and Is It Bad for You? Healthline. Latest update: 02/15/2019.
  10. US Food and Drug Administration. Citric Acid: CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Latest update: 04/01/2019.
  11. US Food and Drug Administration. Silicon Dioxide: CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21. Latest update: 04/01/2019.
  12. US Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives Questions and Answers for Consumers. Latest update: 01/04/2018.
  13. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Regulation of Color Additives in Drug Products.
  14. US Food and Drug Administration. Lead in Food, Foodwares, and Dietary Supplements. Latest update: 02/27/2020.

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85 Comments

  1. It doesn’t sound like anything is too bad. I am concerned about the different dyes you use….there are great vegetable colors you could choose to use more often. I did see you use one, in one flavor. I am also not real impressed with dictators. There are many other sweeteners that could be used that are better. MonkFruit, for instance, or stigma or Xylitol, or a combination.

    1. Hello and thanks for your comment! For the record, my company and I are not affiliated with G Fuel; this was just a review of the main ingredients for health consciousness.

      I agree that the dyes aren’t great, and artificial sweeteners aren’t the best either, but sucralose is the best of the options in that realm. Certainly, a natural sweetener would have been a better choice.

      Ultimately, as an alternative to other energy drinks, G Fuel is a reasonably healthy alternative. We just wanted to give a breakdown of the ingredients so people had a better understanding of what they’re consuming.

      1. The amount of B12 vitamin in this product is way beyond (>55mcg/day) what has been found to increase the risk of lung cancer by almost two-fold in men in a study published in 2017 called “Long-Term, Supplemental, One-Carbon Metabolism–Related Vitamin B Use in Relation to Lung Cancer Risk in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort” then confirmed in 2019 in a study called “Is high vitamin B12 status a cause of lung cancer?”

        Not only is this product not healthy, it is downright dangerous for men. And guess who is the most likely to be using this product…

        1. There are many issues with the first study you’re referencing. First, this was was a survey, and surveys are considered to be low-level evidence. Second, these participants were age 50-76, which is not standard demographic of G Fuel consumers. However, most notably, of 77,118 participants in this survey, only 808 had lung cancer (1.04%). Of these 808 participants with lung cancer, 666 were 60 years or older (82%). 748 reported a history of cigarette smoking (92.5%) with 568 smoking longer than 35 years (70%). Smoking, as everyone knows, is the leading cause of lung cancer in the world.

          Of non-smokers, 60 of 77,118 participants had lung cancer. This is an incidence of .077%; perhaps vitamin B12 increases the risk for lung cancer, but at .077% for non-smokers, it doesn’t appear to be the real issue for developing this disease.

          You are correct; the daily recommended intake for Vitamin B12 is just 2.4 μg. However, as a water soluble vitamin, excess vitamin B12 will be excreted easily unless you have an underlying issue. For an otherwise healthy individual, higher-than-recommended water soluble vitamins are generally excreted.

          Therefore, for non-smokers in the target demographic of gamers (18-30 years), we stand by our assessment that G Fuel–based specifically on the list its list of ingredients–would be safe for daily consumption. However, as always, you must consult your doctor prior to taking any supplement.

    1. The biggest issue with taking G Fuel every day is the sucralose–the sugar substitute used in G Fuel. There has been research indicating sucralose may decrease the good bacteria in your gut.

      The other ingredients are unlikely to cause issues, assuming you’re taking the recommended amount. Of course, if you abuse any supplement, there could be side effects. But with G Fuel, normal daily use doesn’t appear to be a significant risk.

    1. Based on the ingredients, once per day consumption would be unlikely to cause health problems in the general population. However, I would recommend speaking with your own doctor prior to consumption.

        1. Pourquoi dites vous cela ! Les gens come moi qui lise cet article sont en quête de savoir et si vous savez des choses en tant que parent et médecin, il serait peut être constructif de les exposer en contre argument de votre confrère Le Dr Corey.

          Quand je lis les augments du Dr Corey, je ne vois pas une intention de convaincre a tout prix de boire son produit. Au contraire, il invite a demander l’avis du médecin personnel.

          Je ne cherche pas a prendre sa défense mais avoir davantage d’infos pour un meilleur usage de ce produit. Je ne suis pas un Gamer et ce produit m’aide beaucoup dans travail. J’en consomme deux fois par semaine

          1. Translated: “Why do you say that ! People like me who read this article are hungry for knowledge, and if you know things as a parent and as a doctor, it might be constructive to present them as a counter argument from your colleague Dr Corey.

            When I read Dr Corey’s augments, I don’t see any intention to convince anyone to drink his product. On the contrary, it invites to seek the advice of the personal physician.

            I am not trying to take his defense but to have more information for a better use of this product. I am not a Gamer and this product helps me a lot in my work. I consume it twice a week”

    1. The calorie count for a serving of G FUEL is 25 Calories or less (the newer flavors have fewer calories; I’ve seen 15 Calories as the lowest for the G FUEL powder).

      If you’re asking how much of an energy boost you’ll experience by consuming G FUEL (since it is, in fact, an energy supplement), that value is not objective.

      Everyone will experience the effects of the micronutrients and caffeine differently.

    1. This is a difficult question to answer.

      The best advice I can offer is to check the nutrient values on the supplement facts on the labels of both your multivitamin and on G Fuel, and don’t exceed the suggested values.

      I’m sorry I can’t give you more information, but I’m not sure which multivitamin you’re taking, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to give you specific details.

    1. I understand adding coloring to match the “feel” of the flavor, but I don’t love artificial dyes. There are certainly options for natural coloring, and there’s always the option of no coloring. Also, I’m not familiar with the taste variation, but if they could have used a natural sweetener (i.e. stevia) vs. sucralose, that would have improved the product from a health standpoint. For the record, though, sucralose doesn’t appear to have long-term negative effects if taken in normal quantities; research has not yet shown that trend.

        1. If they have, that’s great news! I don’t have samples of every flavor they create, so I need to keep the information about dyes on this review since some of their flavors still contain them. And, although they use FD&C dyes–which appear to cause no observable harm–it would be fantastic for them to completely remove artificial coloring.

          1. Officially, we offer this statement regarding G FUEL consumption and age:

            Through our review of G FUEL’s ingredients and available evidence on each, G FUEL appears to be healthy for the average, healthy adult if consumed at the recommended serving size only once per day. Children under the age of 18 should not drink G FUEL due its caffeine content.

            Why we take this stance: the FDA has previously stated the following regarding caffeine in children, “The FDA has not set a level for children, but the American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the consumption of caffeine and other stimulants by children and adolescents.”

  2. My 14-year-old son is asking if he can get G Fuel Hydration, this one does not have caffeine. What is your opinion on limited consumption of this product for teens? G Fuel Hydration has sucralose as the sweetener & I understand any of those concerns. I am more interested in your opinion of the Energy Complex and Focus Complex ingredients. Additionally, we would dilute the recipe and add more water than recommended on the package. I understand that you need to dilute the Hydration version more as it is too concentrated tasting if you do not.

    1. This question is not easy to answer, so please forgive me for being vague.

      However, making recommendations for any specific person is not appropriate over the internet as I am not your health care provider. This is especially true when the person is a child.

      My broad answer is that all the ingredients in G Fuel Hydration are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for adults. However, the quantity of each ingredient may not be appropriate for children.

      I cannot tell you for sure if it would be okay for your child to consume. I strongly suggest you speak with your child’s pediatrician about this product before allowing him to drink it.

      1. Thank you so much for the review Dr. Corey. The research and the breakdown of the ingredients was incredibly insightful and educational. I just bought a sample pack of G FUEL and i was just interested in some extra research. Your review has been very helpful.

        I also wanted to say that your responses to the comments have made me a fan and i will continue to follow your work. You were incredibly professional and respectful while providing appropriate information to those looking for it. I also very much respect the times you backed off due to the questions and comments being inappropriate for you to fully answer.

        You have my respect sir and i can’t wait for more reviews!!!

        1. Hi James,

          I really appreciate this comment. I take great pride in an ethical, evidence-based approach to health care. I’m very happy you found this review useful, and I’m happy to have your support; thank you!

  3. Would you say that Gfuel is a must have if you really want to improve gaming, because I don’t think the improvement is worth all that lead.

    1. I would not say that G Fuel is a must-have for anyone, especially for improving your gaming skill. Energy drinks and gaming skill have absolutely no correlation.

      As for “all that lead,” the FDA reports lead levels below 12.5 micrograms per day for adults are considered to cause no observable harm. G FUEL falls below this threshold.

      At the end of the day, you don’t need to purchase or use G FUEL. If you believe it would be harmful to you, don’t use it.

  4. I started a paper round at 13, one energy drink a day, everyday. I got a pacemaker inserted 5 years ago, aged 21. Energy drinks are the devil. Even worse is GFuel contains lead yet it bypasses the FDA because they don’t class it as a drink. It’s a supplement. It’s a very crafty way to bypass the lax US regulations but they are marketing this to kids! There’s a reason why you cannot buy this in the EU or UK because their rules on caffeine drinks are much stricter plus they banned the purchase of energy drinks to anyone under 16.

    1. I can’t speak about what caused your heart issue. Furthermore, it’s clear your energy drink of choice from 13-21 was not G FUEL, and unfortunately, not all energy drinks are made with ingredients considered to be safe for consumption. Many contain excessive doses of caffeine or other harmful ingredients. G FUEL, however, contains only 140-150 mg of caffeine–an amount similar to a medium-sized cup of coffee, and the other ingredients are not harmful for adults for daily consumption in the recommended serving size. For children, hopefully, their parents are monitoring what they are consuming. The serving size for this product, like all products, is based on adults.

      For lead, the FDA reports lead levels below 12.5 micrograms per day for adults are considered to cause no observable harm. G FUEL is reported to fall below this threshold.

      At the end of the day, you don’t need to purchase or use G FUEL. If you believe it would be harmful to you, don’t use it.

  5. Hi there, I have somewhat high blood pressure and purchased a pack of gfuel, didn’t realise it says on the back NOT to have if you have high blood pressure. My blood pressure is around 130/80 – 140/90 on a daily basis now corrected with medication. Is it safe to consume g-fuel?

    1. Unfortunately, I cannot help you here.

      You must ask your doctor for advice on this concern, and my only recommendation is that you speak with your doctor.

  6. Lol no one else finds it suspicious they give their review and then give their gfuel code?

    Wake tf up.

    Of course they’re going to give it an excellent rating.

    Smh.

    1. Thanks for your comment!

      Our review was published October 20, 2019. I applied for affiliate in April 2020. I chose to reach out for affiliate because I use G FUEL daily, I enjoy the product and know it’s not bad for me, and I choose it over other energy drink supplements.

      1. I never tell people to purchase. Instead, I urge my readers to consult their doctor first–I believe some form of the phrase “ask your doctor” comes up 6 times in the body of this review.

      2. If you feel like this review is biased, misleading, or otherwise untrue, I invite you to tell me which parts you disagree with vs. trying to shame me for my affiliation with a company I support. Or, you can write your own review in contrast if you feel that strongly.

  7. Hey I was curious if consuming gruel on a daily basis would help with keeping away a common cold or other not so severe illness. I feel since consuming gruel daily that maybe I have been slightly healthier in some aspect. Could this be true or is it a coincidence? Thanks a bunch

    1. I can’t say that G FUEL is supporting your immune system–the ingredients aren’t specific to immune support. If you’re feeling better, though, that’s great!

  8. I’m 16 and have been having G FUEL once a day for the past month. I use it as a substitute for coffee in the mornings. And I am quite active, doing at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. In the past month of using G FUEL, I have noticed that the burst of energy lasts a lot longer than it did with coffee. And overall I feel noticeably less lethargic. so my question is, do you think that G FUEL is the cause of this, or is it purely a coincidence. Do you also think it is safe for me to continue to consume G FUEL at the rate that I do?

    Thanks, Alec

    1. The only thing I can tell you is that, individually, the ingredients and their volume in one serving of G FUEL would be unlikely to cause harm to the average adult if consumed only once per day. This is a vague response, I know, but it would not be appropriate for me to make suggestions/recommendations about your health as I am not your health care provider. For specific questions regarding YOUR health, I advise you to speak with your health care provider. I’m sorry I can’t be of further assistance for you.

    1. Our stance at Esports Healthcare is that G FUEL’s ingredients appear to be safe for the average, healthy adult. I apologize for not being able to answer your question; my suggestion is that you first speak with the child’s pediatrician before purchasing or allowing a child to consume G FUEL.

  9. G-fuel is really sweet for me. I like to mix it with my smoothie so I only put half a packet; will I be getting enough benefit if I only use half a packet or should I even bother?

    1. Strictly from a health standpoint, half a serving is perfectly fine. We’ve concluded–based on the available evidence of each individual ingredient and each of their quantities–that 1 serving per day for the average, healthy adult should not pose any health concerns.

      If your question is how well it will benefit you in terms of improved energy, this is entirely subjective. G FUEL’s affect on energy, focus, and mood are going to be variable for everyone. One person might experience huge improvements in their energy and focus with half a serving while others may not experience any improvements with 1 full scoop.

    1. The recommendation is one serving per day. Consuming multiple servings per day could certainly cause problems. I suggest speaking with your doctor prior to consuming G FUEL; then, if you choose to consume it, you do so based on the recommended serving size. I would also recommend one serving per day, maximum.

  10. This is excellent. I am a studious and health minded person and greatly appreciated how meticulous you were. It is unfortunate that they didn’t decide to use a natural sweetener. Anyways, hope you have a wonderful week.

    1. Thank you for your comment! It’s always great to hear someone found this information to be useful & informative.

      And yes, it would have been even better had G FUEL used a natural sugar substitute such as stevia. However, for the artificial sweeteners, sucralose has not been shown to be harmful to humans according to available research. Granted, we’re keeping an eye on any new sucralose research so we don’t miss a step on this review.

  11. Hi Dr. Corey,

    First of all, thank you for the detailed review on G-Fuel and it’s ingredients. I plan on making a switch from coffee with milk and lots of sugar to gfuel as a step towards being healthier than I am now. Caffeine is so hard for me to put down so we’ll see how this goes! I’m curious as someone who has never tasted these products, what are you favorite flavors?

  12. I’m honestly more impressed with the comments than the review, the review told me what I wanted to know and that’s good but the number of ppl down here asking the same question. Despite that you’ve responded to a lot of them even if it is mostly that they should talk to Their medical professional, which is the correct advice anyway. Bravo.

  13. I wish they would remove the maltodextrin. Isn’t it just a filler/thickener? I bought a tub not realizing it had that in it. Messes up on the keto front, and really wish I had found this article before I bought some. 🙁 It tasted good, but don’t want the sugar spikes. On the glucose index it has almost twice the response of ordinary sugar.. I don’t really see the reason for them to have it in there.

    1. I would also prefer if they had used a better ingredient. Ultimately, it doesn’t appear that it was added for the macronutrient content (most flavors I’ve seen are 15-25 Calories which is approximately 4-7 g of carbohydrates).

      1. Yo, it is gfuel a better substitute for Monsters? I’m sure it is. But I’d like to hear your viewpoint. And also could I use this as a pre-workout supplement?

        1. If I’m not mistaken, Monster energy drink has 27g sugar per can (13.5g sugar per serving). This ingredient, alone, means G FUEL is a healthier option. I’ve never looked deeply into Monster’s ingredients, but the high sugar content is enough for me to recommend almost anything else.

          Personally, I use G FUEL for working out. So, my subjective answer to that question is yes, absolutely!

  14. That disclosure statement.. pretty significant conflict of interest – it should probably be moved to the top lol.

    1. Did you read the disclosure statement, though? It clearly says that this review was written months before he applied to be a part of the GFUEL affiliate program. Meaning, he wrote this review before he started working with GFUEL, THEN added the disclosure to this (months-old) article. It’s called integrity.

  15. I’m looking at the ingredients list on the packaging and it doesn’t list the L-Dopa herbs mentioned in this article. I wanted to know if I could get some sort of confirmation on whether or not this product contains L-Dopa producing herbs before I start any antidepressants.

      1. It looks like from what I’ve found that mucuna pruriens is no longer an ingredient in gfuel products with the exception of their crystal energy line, but it used to be in the drink.

        1. I was just wondering how often the FDA checks these products or is it just as soon as a new one comes out? Thanks!

          1. The FDA does not regulate supplements–G FUEL included. The FDA would only get involved with a supplement if there was a specific, public health or safety issue linked to the product. As it stands, G FUEL has been on the market for more than 5 years, and to my knowledge there have not been any public health or safety concerns that would warrant FDA evaluation.

        2. Hi, I understand the highest calorie count is 25 do you think if it were higher it would make the product better.

          1. The bulk of the Calories come in the form of carbohydrates via maltodextrin. The energy component is not associated with the Calorie count. Of course, Calories are fuel for the body, but the energy/focus from an energy drink is more about the stimulant-effect of caffeine combined with vitamins like B12 and amino acids like taurine.

  16. How safe is this stuff that you are trying to sale on line. My 15 year old grandson has ordered this product, which makes me very upset. I need to see proof of this product, that my grandson will not be addictive to this like cigarettes or all other drugs on the market out there today. I feel this is not a good product for anyone. I will be getting ahold of my Doctors in the morning and I will be getting in touch with the FDA if it needs to be.

    I will be getting in touch with you again.
    Virginia Berres,

    1. A few things to tackle in this comment:

      1. We are not selling G FUEL. We are reviewing the ingredients for their health-quality to answer the question, “Is G FUEL bad for you?” — from the title.
      2. Esports Healthcare’s official stance is that children younger than 18 years should not consume G FUEL. This recommendation is primarily based on the caffeine content for which we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics, as reported by the FDA: “The FDA has not set a level for children, but the American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the consumption of caffeine and other stimulants by children and adolescents.” (fda.gov)
      3. I’m not sure what drugs and cigarettes have to do with this article or this product. It’s an energy drink–primarily vitamins, minerals, amino acids, some artificial flavorings and sweeteners, and FDA-approved food colorings with some maltodextrin, and–of course–caffeine. Regardless of any of the other ingredients, if your grandson is younger than 18, the caffeine alone is enough to say he shouldn’t take it.

      We always recommend people speak with their doctor. In this case, we simply recommend you don’t allow your grandson to drink G FUEL. Lastly, trying to contact the FDA won’t get you anywhere. The FDA will only step in on a supplement (which is G FUEL’s product category) if there were something egregious to investigate. At this moment, that does not exist.

      1. Hey, I was wondering is GFUEL evaluated and tested by a third party dietary supplement administration for banned substances and it if it contains the ingredients that are on the label…. Because in most supplements like GFUEL people don’t really know what they put in there

        1. The Environmental Research Center of California assessed the product and mandated the Proposition 65 warning label. If any of the ingredients were misrepresented by the label, I imagine they would have caught that, as well.

  17. Thank you so much for your detailed review and replies!

    Would adding Benefiber (with a prebiotic) to the mixed drink affect the effectiveness of either product? Or otherwise be problematic to mix together?

    Also, same question regarding taking a daily probiotic pill at the same time as starting to drink the mixture.

    1. First, let me say I’m sorry this took so long to reply. I wanted to speak with my nutritionist first, and she was out-of-office for a bit. Also, please be advised the disclaimer for this page exists for these comments, as well. What follows is our interpretation of evidence and not intended as health or wellness advice to you.

      With that said, there should not be any negative reactions from taking fiber along with G FUEL. Both should continue to provide their physiologic benefits as expected. The only caveat is that–with added fiber–the absorption rate may decrease. This won’t necessarily change the intensity of the effects, but it may prolong or delay the potential energy boost you experience via G FUEL.

      For the probiotic, there is some research indicating the artificial sweeteners can reduce gut bacteria. These studies were not performed in humans but rather in rats, with environmental bacteria, or gut bacteria in vitro which makes it hard to extrapolate if the effects are consistent INSIDE the human body. The FDA reports the artificial sweeteners used in G FUEL are safe for consumption and will not cause health defects. So, our opinion based on this information is that the probiotic should not be effected by G FUEL. However, if you’re concerned they may have an interaction, you can consume them at different times. Give yourself an hour or two between consumption of G FUEL and the probiotic so they don’t come in direct contact with each other at the time of consumption.

      Lastly, if you have health concerns about these interactions, we suggest you speak with your doctor.

  18. Great article! I was wondering if Gfuel could cause weight gain? I hadnt made any changes in my diet, i would drink an energy drink a day and made the switch to gfuel, i noticed i gained a few pounds after drinking gfuel for a few months. Could any of the ingrediants have changed/slowed down my metabolism? Just curious if anyone else had this happen? If not im going to say it was just due to other changes in lifestyle

    1. The Calorie count (25 or 40 depending on the flavor and date of purchase) would suggest that the G FUEL, alone, is unlikely related to weight changes. However, if you have a sensitivity to any of the ingredients, there could be physiologic responses that could alter your body.

      Without evaluating and assessing you in depth, I couldn’t comment on whether or not you are having a reaction an any of the ingredients. However, if you’ve made other notable changes (e.g., increase in daily intake of Calories, changed food types, decreased physical activity, etc.) to your lifestyle, those factors could certainly play a part in weight changes.

      I hate to leave it vague like that, but my official advice will always be: if you are concerned about G FUEL or have questions about how it may be affecting you, you should speak with your doctor.

  19. Hi
    Im 15 and my friend has g fuel. My parents said that i should not get g fuel because its an energy drink. I told them that its not really like an energy drink because its healthier. I really dont see a problem with me drinking g fuel because i know i wont be drinking it everyday. Do you think its a big deal if i get g fuel?

    1. Our official stance aligns with that of the American Academy of Pediatrics, as reported by the FDA: “The FDA has not set a level [of caffeine] for children, but the American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the consumption of caffeine and other stimulants by children and adolescents.” (fda.gov)

      If you have further questions, I suggest asking your parents to accompany you in speaking with your pediatrician or primary care physician.

  20. Hi
    I just want to say that I found your review of G fuel to be incredibly insightful and informative, I’m 24 and have in the last 8 months started using G fuel pretty frequently for both working out and when I’m tired, and I love it.

    I’ve also become somewhat of an addict, now when I say addict I don’t mean I have it aggressively every day, but the wide variety of wacky flavours truly amazes me and I feel no guilt in purchasing several flavours when they in turn help me keep up a healthier lifestyle, I have 24 different tubs (I know it’s a lot lol) and it’s great to use a different flavour every day at the gym or at night when I play some games with friends, I don’t feel like I need to ever use any additional vitamins outside of using this except maybe Zinc, the milk flavours are surprisingly good, I have phases with G fuel where I’ll have one serving every day for a while, then I’ll just stop using it for a week or two then jump back in, your review put me at ease greatly, knowing that I wasn’t potentially consuming something which may cause any problems down the track.

    Thank you!

    1. Hi Zac,

      Thank you for your comment! Personally, I drink G FUEL every day. I use it as my workout drink–not specifically as a pre-workout since I drink it throughout the entire workout, but nonetheless, I drink it every single day. I would not have written this review in support of the product if I, myself, did not believe in it. Is it “healthy?” No, I won’t call it a health-product. But, I confidently report that the ingredients do not appear to be harmful for the average adult when consumed at the recommended serving size, once daily (or less).

      Thanks again for your comment!

  21. The evidence for G-Fuel as a performance-enhancing supplement is scarce. The only well-documented substance in this product is caffeine, both on cognitive and physical performance. It is also questionable why the product have so many compounds in it, considering the lack of supporting evidence. Also, why does the product contain L-citrulline-malate, a substance primarily used in strength- and power athletes?

    Concerning health, this product has too many ingredients in way too high dosages. I think one have to take into account that adolescents use this product (even though they shouldn’t) over weeks, months, or years. What is the consequence of long-term effects of this compound-product? Finally, consuming more water-soluble vitamins above daily recommended values DOES NOT promote improved health or performance. It will have the same effect as trying to pour water in a glass that is already full.

    I could go on and on with this product, but your last paragraph promoting G-fuel as an «excellent» alternative seems very uneducated. Please refer to a competent dietitian that can re-write this review.

    1. You should learn how to read first before complaining.

      Beginning with the title, “Is G FUEL bad for you?” — it is painfully clear that this review is not intended to judge the performance-enhancing aspect of the product. So, your complaints about lack of evidence on performance are not valuable. Next, we also do not claim that this product promotes improved health. We just report that the ingredients do not appear to be harmful with citations from the FDA and other resources.

      Your final statement refers to and complains about the last paragraph; so, let me share with you the last paragraph in the review: “However, at the end of the day, we still suggest drinking water vs. any artificially flavored beverage. And, if you want a boost, consider black coffee, green tea, or other natural sources of caffeine. Ultimately, natural and unaltered ingredients are usually a healthier option.”

      Bold move to use the word “competent” while posting such an incompetent complaint — have a nice day.

  22. Well I don’t think there’s anything which hasn’t already been mentioned and we seem to be on the same page about synthetic colours and sweeteners. I guess any compound made of common elements like carbon and nitrogen might just randomly connect with something else in the wrong way and I guess over time the ones found in nature filtered out any of the less reliable ones, if that makes any sense.

    Thank you very much for compiling all this information!

  23. Unbelievable detail and so happy to see claims stated but also saying there is t conclusive research to back those claims. This is exactly what I was looking for when researching a product. Thank you for putting this together.