Lo-carb energy drink

acesulfame potassium

Limited safety data; may affect insulin response; animal studies showed tumor increases.

glucose

Isolated glucose from corn or wheat starch; high glycemic; rapid insulin spike

natural flavors

Vague term masking hundreds of possible compounds; may include MSG, beaver anal gland secretions, and other sources.

maltodextrin

Ultra-processed starch derivative; very high glycemic index; may disrupt gut bacteria.

sucralose

May alter gut microbiome; studies show possible DNA damage at high doses.