Functional beverages are drinks that promise more than hydration: magnesium, adaptogens, nootropics, probiotics, extra protein, or some mix of the above. Some of those ingredients can be useful. A lot of the marketing is doing a very large amount of work.
Magnesium is a real nutrient, and botanicals like ashwagandha or rhodiola are real ingredients, but usefulness depends on dose, product quality, and whether the person actually needs the thing being sold. Many “stress” drinks are just expensive flavored water with a story.
The safest rule is to read the label like an adult investor, not a fan. If you want magnesium, make sure the amount is meaningful. If you want adaptogens, check whether the product gives a dose you can actually verify instead of a proprietary haze.
Sources
This is general information, not professional medical advice. For decisions about your situation, talk to a qualified professional.
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