This Caffeine Alternative Promises Energy Without the Jitters

You Should Know: Another celebrity has entered the energy drink space — this time it’s Kim Kardashian. Her new product contains paraxanthine, marketed as an alternative to caffeine, without the jitters or crashes. But what exactly is paraxanthine, and does it deliver the same energy boost people are looking for? 

Going Deeper: Paraxanthine is closely related to caffeine — it’s actually a direct byproduct of it. When our bodies metabolize caffeine, it’s broken down into three compounds, with paraxanthine being the most prominent. Some of those other compounds may contribute to jitteriness, which could help explain why paraxanthine feels different. Like caffeine, it gives us a jolt by blocking adenosine receptors — the chemical that builds up throughout the day to signal tiredness — helping keep us alert.

Takeaway: Research on paraxanthine has been promising, but not yet conclusive. Animal studies found rats had less jittery, anxious tendencies with paraxanthine than caffeine. Some research in humans suggests paraxanthine may also raise blood pressure less and boost cognitive performance more than caffeine. 

Bottom Line: Experts caution that more research is still needed. And the two aren’t directly interchangeable in terms of doses, so it’s best to start with lower amounts — paraxanthine still delivers the same stimulant effects as caffeine.