Countless studies have exposed the dangers associated with the regular consumption of energy drinks.
According to a recent report by the Associated Press, potential harms may include: irritability, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, seizures and strokes.
Late last year, the American Association of Poison Control Centers began tracking energy drink overdoses and side effects. Since the study began late last year, more than 1,000 such cases have been reported.
But Americans aren't about to stop consuming these popular, performance enhancing drinks. In fact, energy drinks are the fastest growing product on the U.S. beverage market, with 2011 sales expected to pass $9 billion.
While studies have focused on the effects of ingredients like caffeine, taurine and guarana (which contains roughly twice the caffeine found in coffee beans), they fail to highlight another important ingredient: sugar.
Many energy drinks come packed with more sugar than popular decadent dessert items -- from glazed donuts and chewy cookies to buttery croissants and crunchy chocolate bars.
The slideshow below showcases 10 popular energy drinks and their sugar equivalents.
