Kim Kardashian's New Energy Drink Promises No Jitters. Does It Live Up To The Hype?

• Kim Kardashian has launched a new energy drink called Update. 
• Instead of caffeine, the drink contains paraxanthine. 
• Paraxanthine is a compound naturally produced by the body when it breaks down caffeine. 

Kim Kardashian has launched a new energy drink called Update, which claims to have zero sugar, zero calories, and zero artificial flavors or colors. 

The drink is also caffeine-free and is powered by paraxanthine, a compound the body naturally produces when it breaks down caffeine. 

The promotional material for Update states that it “delivers smooth, steady energy without the jitters, crashes, or sleep disruption commonly associated with traditional energy drinks.”

The new drink doesn’t rely solely on paraxanthine for energy. Update contains other ingredients commonly found in energy drinks and supplements, including alpha-GPC, often marketed for cognitive performance, and sucralose, an artificial sweetener. 

“It is important to speak to your healthcare provider about any supplement or energy beverage that you may be considering, even ones that are labeled ‘natural,’” said Jonathan Jennings, MD, board certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan. 

“Appropriate dosing is still being investigated, so it is important to follow recommended ingestion amounts,” he told Healthline. 

Avery Zenker, a registered dietitian at MyHealthTeam, said it’s important to prioritize a healthy lifestyle, quality sleep, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental hygiene, rather than rely on energy drinks for a boost.

Healthline spoke with experts about paraxanthine in Kim Kardashian’s energy drink to learn more about this caffeine-free alternative.

These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

Is paraxanthine better than caffeine?

Jennings: Paraxanthine is a breakdown product of caffeine. When you ingest caffeine, it is broken down in the liver into three metabolites that have different impacts on the body.

Paraxanthine is the predominant breakdown component of caffeine. Theobromine and theophylline are the other metabolites, and [are] associated with the uncomfortable side effects of caffeine such as anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeats. 

Zenker: It’s tough to say which is “better” since there are numerous factors to consider. Both caffeine and paraxanthine have their pros and cons.

Caffeine might be the better choice for some people, while paraxanthine may be optimal for others. There’s more research on the health impacts of caffeine, as well as more anecdotal evidence.

Caffeine is more widely known due to its popularity in beverages around the world, such as coffee and tea. That said, paraxanthine has some promising emerging research.

Paraxanthine may have some advantages compared to caffeine, such as equivalent or even stronger energizing effects with [fewer] side effects. More research is needed to determine more conclusive differences between caffeine and paraxanthine.

What does research say about paraxanthine vs. caffeine?

Jennings: There are some preclinical studies that suggest that paraxanthine promotes alertness better and for longer periods of time than equal amounts of caffeine.

Rodent studies have also demonstrated less toxicity at higher doses when compared to caffeine. 

Preliminary data suggest that the elimination of theobromine and theophylline may make paraxanthine more effective, better tolerated, and safer than caffeine.

Zenker: There’s significantly more data for the health impacts of caffeine than paraxanthine. Both caffeine and paraxanthine are nervous system stimulants, which promote wakefulness.

Research finds that both compounds produce similar effects on the nervous system, including increased blood pressure and adrenaline. They both block adenosine receptors, which is what makes you feel less tired. 

Caffeine is known to have potential side effects, especially when consumed in excess, such as anxiety and elevated blood pressure, while paraxanthine may have [fewer] side effects. Paraxanthine may have some additional benefits on cognition and nervous system function that caffeine alone doesn’t exhibit.

Paraxanthine is one of the main compounds that’s created as caffeine is metabolized. Paraxanthine isn’t new, but it’s still not widely used in products as much as caffeine.

What are the benefits and risks of Update’s other ingredients? 

Jennings: L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. There is some evidence that when combined with caffeine, it may enhance cognitive performance, focus, and improve alertness.

Alpha-glycerylphosphorycholine ( A-GPC) is a compound essential in the production of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for nerve communication and muscle contraction. Supplementation with A-GPC is believed to assist with maintaining choline levels and  aid in improving cognition.

Methylcobalamin is the more bioavailable form of [vitamin] B12, which is essential for the body’s protection of DNA, support of brain cells, and immune functioning. There is data that suggests this form of B12 offers support to the body for longer periods of time.

Zenker: L-theanine is known for its potential to improve attention and reduce anxiety, particularly when combined with caffeine. It has a calming effect that’s often described as relaxed yet alert. The dose of L-theanine matters, too. When the quantity of L-theanine isn’t listed on the label, it’s possible that it isn’t an effective quantity. 

Alpha-GPC is a form of choline, which is an essential micronutrient involved in nervous system function. It is generally considered safe, but some research has linked high intakes to health risks like increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Side effects at typical doses are uncommon but can include headaches, acid reflux, nausea, or dizziness.

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin involved in energy production. Vitamin B12 helps the body convert the calories from food we eat into ATP, the body’s primary energy source.

It is important for nervous system function, energy production, and red blood cell synthesis. Vitamin B12 is often included in energy drinks at high doses. Vitamin B12 is more likely to lead to noticeable energy increases in people with low B12 but not those with baseline normal levels. Vitamin B12 in energy drinks isn’t known to cause an immediate energy boost, but could improve energy over time in those with baseline low levels. 

Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, so excess intake is excreted through the urine and has a low risk of toxicity.

What should people know before trying Update energy drinks? 

Jennings: All the supporting ingredients have preclinical evidence suggesting significant benefits for cognition and alertness compared to caffeine. However, there is a lack of quality outcome-based human clinical trials for paraxanthine and L-theanine.

Zenker: I’d first consider why you are looking for an energy drink in the first place. Having an energy drink once in a while is fine, but frequent reliance on them may suggest underlying issues to address.

Energy drinks may make you feel better short term, but they don’t undo the adverse health effects of poor sleep, an imbalanced diet, or lifestyle deficits. Ideally, we don’t need to rely on energy drinks to feel energized.

If you’re trying a new energy drink, start small. Don’t consume the whole thing quickly before you have time to assess how you feel. Individual tolerance to energy drinks can vary. Read the nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and content of active compounds like caffeine. 

Not all energy drinks are created equal, so if you do choose to consume one, make sure it’s aligned with your health priorities.