Energy drink consumption among New Zealand adolescents: Associations with mental health, health risk behaviours and body size

Beverage Consumption and Factors Influencing the Choice of Beverages among Polish Children Aged 11-13 Years in 2018-2023

Adequate hydration is essential for good health, and an individual's hydration status is determined by the quantity and type of ingested fluids. The aim of the present study was to determine the hydration status of school-age children and evaluate changes in the type and quantity of consumed beverages between 2018 and 2023. The study was conducted in two stages between 2018 and 2023, and a total of 1030 fully completed questionnaires were returned by the children and their parents. A comparison of the parents' responses regarding factors that affect beverage choices revealed that beverage composition was more significant for the parents in 2023 than in 2018, whereas health-promoting properties were significant for only less than 30% of the respondents. Taste preferences were important for both the parents and the children, and they were the main criterion in the choice of beverages in both 2018 and 2023. In turn, advertising was an important factor for children, and the percentage of children who were guided by advertising in their choice of beverages increased from 52.1% in 2018 to 58.5% in 2023 (p < 0.05). Daily fluid intake from beverages in children aged 11-13 years generally does not meet recommended intakes. Low fluid intake can negatively affect children's hydration status and bodily functions. Taste preferences and advertising were correlated with a higher intake of carbonated and non-carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and dairy beverages. The percentage of children who bought drinks independently and had access to SSBs increased significantly during the analyzed period. Obtain results indicate that nutrition education programs are needed to teach adolescents to make healthy drink choices, limit their consumption of SSBs and EDs, and promote regular intake of natural mineral water and non-sweetened dairy beverages.

Prevalence of energy drink consumption world-wide: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The increasing market for energy drinks (EDs) in recent years, as well as the health risks caused by their consumption, prompt calls to estimate the prevalence of ED use among different countries. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the prevalence of ED use in different continents and age groups.

METHOD

We searched two databases (i.e. PubMed and PsycInfo) on 31 March 2023 to identify studies reporting the prevalence of ED use. A total of 192 studies (196 distinct samples; n = 1 120 613; 53.37% males) from the United States, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa were included in the analysis. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall pooled prevalence at several time-periods. Subgroup analyses were performed to provide prevalence based on continent and age group. The quality of articles was assessed using Joana Brigg's Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. Measurements included prevalence of ED use (i.e. life-time, past 12 months, past 30 days, past 7 days and daily use), continent and age group (i.e. children, adolescents, young adults and adults).

RESULTS

The life-time ED use world-wide-pooled prevalence was estimated to be 54.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 48.8-60.6; I2  = 99.80], 43.4% (95% CI = 36.1-50.6; I2  = 99.92) in the past 12 months, 32.3% (95% CI = 28.8-35.8; I2  = 99.82) in the past 30 days, 21.6% (95% CI = 18.7-24.5; I2  = 99.95) in the past 7 days and 8.82% (95% CI = 6.3-11.4; I2  = 99.95) daily ED use. Subgroups analyses showed significant differences in ED life-time use within age groups (P = 0.002) and continents (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

The world-wide prevalence of energy drink use appears to be high, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a systematic review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes

OBJECTIVE

To update an earlier review, published in 2016, on the health and other outcomes associated with children and young people's consumption of energy drinks (EDs).

STUDY DESIGN

Review article.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Systematic searches of nine databases (ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, DARE, Embase, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science) retrieved original articles reporting the effects of EDs experienced by children and young people up to the age of 21 years. Searches were restricted by publication dates (January 2016 to July 2022) and language (English). Studies assessed as being weak were excluded from the review. Included studies underwent narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

A total of 57 studies were included. Boys consumed EDs more than girls. Many studies reported a strong positive association between ED consumption and smoking, alcohol use, binge drinking, other substance use and the intentions to initiate these behaviours. Sensation-seeking and delinquent behaviours were positively associated with ED consumption, as were short sleep duration, poor sleep quality and low academic performance. Additional health effects noted in the updated review included increased risk of suicide, psychological distress, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, depressive and panic behaviours, allergic diseases, insulin resistance, dental caries and erosive tooth wear.

CONCLUSIONS

This review adds to the growing evidence that ED consumption by children and young people is associated with numerous adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Where feasible and ethical, additional longitudinal studies are required to ascertain causality. The precautionary principle should be considered in regulatory policy and restriction of ED sales to this population.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42021255484.

Caffeinated energy drink consumption among Emirati adolescents is associated with a cluster of poor physical and mental health, and unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors: a cross-sectional study

Background

Consumption of caffeinated energy drinks (CED) has escalated during the last few years, especially among schoolchildren, with evident adverse health sequelae in this critical age group.

Objective

This study examined the prevalence of CED consumption and its associations with sleep, physical and mental health, and dietary and lifestyle habits among schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Method

A structured self-administered online questionnaire was developed and disseminated among schoolchildren aged 14-18 years, selected from schools of the seven emirates of the UAE.

Results

More than 4,500 (N= 4,648) responses received. A relatively low prevalence of CED consumption (20%) was found among schoolchildren in the UAE. However, those who reported CED consumption were more likely to report unhealthy dietary (skipping breakfast, frequent snacking, and eating fast foods, low fruit, and vegetable intake) and lifestyle behaviors (long screen time, poor sleep health), in addition to poor self-reported mental and physical health than non-users. CED consumption was significantly and variably associated with multiple sociodemographic factors such as students' nationality, parental companionship, sex, school type, education level (children's and parents'), daily allowance, academic performance, screen time, sleep quality parameters, self-reported physical and mental health, and parents' employment. Sources of knowledge about CED were social media (55%), friends/schoolmates (52%), and family members (52%). Students believed that CED constitute sugar (87%), caffeine (69%), artificial flavors (67%) sweeteners (54%), and stimulating components (43%). The majority (70%) of students reported that CED consumption increases the risks for heart disease, diabetes, high blood sugar (65%), addiction (64%), high blood pressure (59%), and obesity (57%).

Conclusion

These results offer important insights for health professionals, child health specialists, policymakers, and parents in the UAE regarding adolescents' attitudes, knowledge and behaviors toward CED consumption.

Use of Caffeine-Containing Energy Drinks by Japanese Middle School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study of Related Factors

Excessive consumption of caffeine negatively affects individuals' health. Therefore, we studied the use of energy drinks and the conditions associated with it among Japanese secondary school students. Participants were 236 students in grades 7-9 who completed anonymous questionnaires at home in July 2018. We measured the basic attributes and dietary, sleeping, and exercise habits. We used Chi-squared tests to compare differences between users and non-users of energy drinks. Logistic regression analyses were used to elucidate the complex association between the variables. The results showed that boys were more willing to consume energy drinks than girls. The reasons were 'feeling fatigued', 'needing to stay awake', 'for curiosity', and 'to quench one's thirst'. Among boys, the following were associated with the use of EDs. Buying their own snacks , not understanding nutritional labels on foods, high caffeinated beverage intake, late bed-times on weekdays, always waking up at about the same time, and weight. Health guidance is needed to prevent overconsumption and dependence on energy drinks. The cooperation of parents and teachers is needed to achieve these goals.

Associations between adolescents' energy drink consumption frequency and several negative health indicators

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify how various negative health indicators are associated with energy drink consumption frequency among 13- and 15-year-old Finnish adolescents.

METHODS

Data (N = 2429) from the nationally representative international Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (2018) were analyzed via descriptive analysis and logistic regression analyses, with control for salient covariates. Relative risks (RR) were derived from the adjusted odds ratios.

RESULTS

Even infrequent energy drink consumption was associated with various negative health indicators. Moreover, as compared to non-users, frequent energy drink consumers were more likely to report several health-compromising behaviors: current smoking (RR = 9.85, 95% CI: 5.68-16.02), current snus use (RR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.80-6.85), cannabis use (RR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.69-6.52), alcohol consumption (RR = 3.08, 95% CI: 2.49-3.71), problematic social media use (RR = 2.53, 95% CI:1.68-3.72), short sleep (RR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.69-2.60), skipping breakfast (RR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.51-2.29), drunkenness (RR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.11-2.23), inadequate tooth brushing (RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05-1.54). In addition, frequent energy drink consumption was associated with perceived negative health indicators: feelings of insufficient sleep (RR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.11-2.15), low self-rated health (RR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.15-1.87), and multiple health complaints (RR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.07-1.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Energy drink consumption, even infrequent, was associated with several negative health indicators, and the reporting of these increased with the frequency of energy drink consumption. The findings support the concerns of health authorities regarding the negative associations between energy drink consumption and health, even among persons as young as 13 years. There is evidence to support specific policy level actions, including restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to adolescents. This measure has been proposed in a Finnish government program, but implementation has yet to occur. Moreover, marketing of these beverages in platforms that are popular among adolescents (e.g., the social media) should be rigorously evaluated, and comprehensive interventions and actions implemented to ensure that adolescents, parents/guardians, and professionals working with adolescents (e.g., in schools) have a good understanding of the links between energy drink consumption and health.

Excessive Gaming and Online Energy-Drink Marketing Exposure Associated with Energy-Drink Consumption among Adolescents

In this study, we examined excessive online gaming by adolescents and the resultant effects of their exposure to the online marketing of energy drinks and alcohol, and whether marketing literacy could serve as a mitigating factor. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020. Data were obtained from a sample of 2613 seventh-grade students from 30 middle schools in Taiwan. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted. The results showed that nearly 18% of the adolescent respondents had used energy drinks, while 75% reported seeing energy-drink advertisements on the internet in the past year. Multiple regression results indicated that factors such as being male, reporting excessive gaming, being exposed to higher levels of online energy-drink marketing, and reporting alcohol use were positively associated with energy-drink consumption. A higher level of online energy-drink marketing-affective literacy, however, was negatively associated with energy-drink consumption. In conclusion, factors that predicted energy-drink consumption among adolescents included excessive gaming and exposure to online energy-drink marketing, but marketing-affective literacy tended to lessen the impact of such advertising.

Risky behaviors, substance use, and other lifestyle correlates of energy drink consumption in children and adolescents: a systematic review

Increasing concerns have been raised on the health-related risks connected with energy drink (ED) consumption in children and adolescents, with high acute or chronic consumers exceeding 10% in either age group in Europe in 2011. Preliminary evidence has suggested a common pattern of ED and substance use, especially alcohol. Additional evidence has been accumulating very fast; in addition, other lifestyle and risky behaviors may contribute to shed light on the complex interplay of factors involved in ED consumption. We have undertaken a comprehensive systematic review of the evidence on psychosocial correlates of ED consumption in 0-18 years subjects, as published up to April 1, 2021, in MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Reviews and Central Register of Controlled Trials, which allowed to select 104 original articles. Only ~ 10% of the papers provided results based on longitudinal analyses. A common pattern of ED consumption and polysubstance use, including alcohol, tobacco, and soft and hard drugs, was still confirmed in adolescents; violent and risky behaviors were also related to a higher ED consumption. In addition, frequent ED consumers are more likely to have bad dietary habits, including consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and junk foods. A generally inconclusive evidence was found for sport/physical activities, although sedentary behaviors were generally related to ED consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent ED consumption might be a screening indicator to identify students at risk of substance use or other risky/problem behaviors; enquiring about an adolescent's recent ED consumption could create opportunities for early intervention/prevention by informed pediatricians.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Substances, especially alcohol, are associated with energy drinks in most cross-sectional studies.

WHAT IS NEW

• Violent behaviors are associated with energy drink consumption, in the absence of longitudinal studies; problematic use of internet/videogames deserves further investigation; unhealthy dietary patterns are related to energy drinks; evidence on physical activity is inconclusive, but sedentary behaviors are related to energy drinks.

Psychological and socio-educational correlates of energy drink consumption in children and adolescents: a systematic review

Energy drinks (EDs) are non-alcoholic beverages providing an extra boost in physical/cognitive performance and mood. Besides the physiological effects related to the high-caffeine content of EDs, long-term emotional, social, and behavioral effects have been recently receiving attention. However, a few systematic reviews have focused on the critical yet understudied periods of childhood and adolescence. We have undertaken a comprehensive systematic review of the evidence on any psychosocial correlates of ED consumption in 0-18-year-old subjects, as published up to April 1, 2021, in MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Reviews and Central Register of Controlled Trials. Of the initial 789 records, 104 original articles were included in the systematic review. Seventy percent of them were published from 2016 onwards; among investigated topics, substance use ranked first, followed by psychological and socio-educational factors; the less investigated topic was risky behaviors. Taste and energy-seeking were the main drivers of consumption, which generally happened at home or during sport/recreational activities, without perception of health-related risks. Positive associations with ED consumption were found for sensation seeking, irritability/anger, and suicide ideation, plan, or attempts. Finally, participants with lower grades, a low parental monitoring, or bad influences from peers were more likely to consume EDs. Conclusion: With ~ 70% of papers published since the 2 comprehensive reviews on children/adolescents were carried out, an update of the literature with a broad focus is of great importance. Consumption of EDs by children/adolescents lies in the potential interplay between personality traits, school performance, and influences by family members and peers. What is Known: • Taste and energy-seeking are the main drivers of energy drink consumption, which mostly happened at home or in sport/recreational activities. What is New: • Perception of risks related to energy drinks is associated with a lower consumption, as based on cross-sectional studies. • As mostly based on cross-sectional studies: 1. energy drink consumption is related to sensation seeking, irritability/anger, and suicide ideation or attempts; 2. students with a lower school performance, low parental monitoring, or bad peer influence, are more likely to consume energy drinks.

Consumption Patterns of Energy Drinks in Adolescents and Their Effects on Behavior and Mental Health: A Systematic Review

The aim of the current review was to analyze primary studies about energy drink consumption patterns in adolescents and their relationship with mental health. PubMed, PLOS ONE, PsycINFO, and ScienceDirect databases were searched to identify articles related to adverse effects of energy drinks in adolescents and young adults aged 11 to 18 years. Psychological and behavioral measures were based on validated screening tools used in various contexts, and bias was detected in energy drink consumption patterns. In regard to sex, boys consumed more energy drinks than girls, and a strong, positive association was reported between consumption and probability of risky behaviors; tendency for anxiety, depression, and impulsivity; poor academic performance; and sleep disturbances. A progressive increase in consumption was also noted of 25% to 75% within 5 years. Findings suggest that standardized consumption pattern assessment be included in evaluations of mental health to determine potential causal relationships. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(x), xx-xx.].

Energy drink consumption among Australian adolescents associated with a cluster of unhealthy dietary behaviours and short sleep duration

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic energy drinks ('energy drinks') are high in sugar, as well as caffeine, leading to concerns regarding their suitability for children and adolescents. Despite this, marketing of energy drinks is often directed at adolescents, and there are no age restrictions on the sale of these products in Australia. The current study aimed to examine patterns in consumption of energy drinks among Australian secondary school students and identify sociodemographic and behavioural correlates associated with regular consumption.

METHODS

Participants were 8942 students in Years 8 to 11 (aged 12 to 17 years) who participated in the 2018 National Secondary Students' Diet and Activity (NaSSDA) cross-sectional survey. A multistage stratified random sampling procedure was used. Within the school setting, students self-completed an online questionnaire assessing their dietary, physical activity and sedentary behaviours. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to examine associations between energy drink consumption and sociodemographic and behavioural factors.

RESULTS

Overall, 8% of students reported consuming energy drinks on a weekly basis ('regular consumers'). A further 16% indicated they consume less than one cup per week of these types of drinks, while around three-quarters (76%) reported they do not consume energy drinks. Regular consumption of energy drinks was independently associated with being male, having greater weekly spending money, high intakes of snack foods, fast food, other sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice, as well as short sleep duration. There was no independent association with other sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., year level, level of disadvantage, geographic location), consumption of vegetables and fruit, physical activity level, or sedentary recreational screen time.

CONCLUSIONS

While most Australian adolescents do not consume energy drinks, regular consumption is more prevalent among males, and consumption appears to cluster with other unhealthy dietary behaviours and short sleep duration. Findings support the need for policies that will reach identified at-risk groups (e.g., increased regulation of the marketing and sale of energy drinks), as well as suggest opportunities for interventions targeting energy drink consumption alongside other unhealthy dietary behaviours.

Energy Drinks Consumption Associated with Emotional and Behavioural Problems via Lack of Sleep and Skipped Breakfast among Adolescents

The aim of our study was to explore whether energy drink consumption is associated with both emotional and behavioural problems and whether this association might be mediated by amount of sleep and breakfast consumption among adolescents. The nationally representative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, realised in 2018 in Slovakia in schools, was used to acquire needed data, with the research sample of 8405 adolescents from 11 to 15 years old (mean age = 13.43; 50.9% boys) who completed the questionnaires on their own in a presence of researchers and research assistants. Emotional and behavioural problems were assessed by a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, while energy drinks consumption, breakfast consumption and sleep duration was assessed by questions in line with the HBSC study protocol. Linear regression models assessed the associations between energy drinks consumption and emotional and behavioural problems. Mediation by sleep duration and breakfast consumption was assessed with parallel mediation models. Energy drink consumption was significantly associated with emotional (p < 0.001) and behavioural problems (p < 0.001), with higher consumption of energy drinks leading to more emotional and behavioural problems. Results from a parallel mediation analysis indicated that energy drink consumption is indirectly related to both emotional and behavioural problems through its relationship with the amount of sleep and breakfast consumption. Parents and professionals working with adolescents should be aware that unhealthy dietary habits and lack of sleep might be related to emotional and behavioural problems.

Knowledge and prevalence of energy drinks consumption in Shanghai, China: a cross-sectional survey of adolescents

Background

In recent years, energy drinks (EDs) have been widely used among young people around the world. The extensive use of EDs also affects the sleep and exercise of adolescents.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the consumption of EDs, the knowledge, attitude towards EDs and associated factors of EDs consumption among adolescents in Shanghai, China.

Methods

A total of 4608 adolescents completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing EDs use history, knowledge and attitude towards EDs. Adolescent Self-rating Life Events Checklist (ASLEC) was used to assess their life events. All participants were divided into two groups based on whether they used them or not. t-test and χ² test were used to compare the differences between the two groups, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the related factors for EDs consumption.

Results

70.5% of the participants reported having ever used EDs. The main avenues to getting information on EDs were from advertisements. 67.56% of them believed that EDs had adverse effects on health. 22.09% of the participants and 31.55% of their parents took a negative attitude towards EDs. Compared with the non-consumption group, participants in the consumption group were likely to be male, with older age, identified EDs more correctly and did not believe EDs had adverse effects, with more positive attitude and higher ASLEC score. Logistic regression results showed that gender, age, attitude of parents and themselves, knowledge of EDs and ASLEC score significantly predicted EDs consumption.

Conclusion

EDs consumption was popular among adolescents in Shanghai, and the tailored intervention programmes need to be developed based on the characteristics of adolescents.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption from 1998-2017: Findings from the health behaviour in school-aged children/school health research network in Wales

To date no study has examined time trends in adolescent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks, or modelled change in inequalities over time. The present study aimed to fill this gap by identifying historical trends among secondary school students in Wales, United Kingdom. The present study includes 11–16 year olds who completed the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey and the Welsh School Health Research Network (SHRN) survey between 1998 to 2017. Multinomial regression models were employed alongside tests for interaction effects. A total of 176,094 student responses were assessed. From 1998 to 2017, the prevalence of daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption decreased (57% to 18%) while weekly consumption has remained constant since 2006 (49% to 52%). From 2013 to 2017, daily consumption of energy drinks remained stable (6%) while weekly consumption reports steadily decreased (23% to 15%). Boys, older children and those from a low socioeconomic group reported higher consumption rates of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks. Consumption according to socioeconomic group was the only characteristic to show a statistically significant change over time, revealing a widening disparity between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rates of those from low and high socioeconomic groups. Findings indicate a positive shift in overall consumption rates of both sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks. Adolescents from a low socioeconomic group however were consistently shown to report unfavourable sugar-sweetened beverages consumption when compared to peers from high socioeconomic group. Given the established longer term impacts of sugar-sweetened beverage and energy drink consumption on adolescent health outcomes, urgent policy action is required to reduce overall consumption rates, with close attention to equity of impact throughout policy design and evaluation plans.

Consumption of carbonated soft drinks among Ghanaian adolescents: associations with socio-demographic factors, health risk factors and psychological distress

BACKGROUND

Carbonated soft drinks consumption is associated with weight gain and other chronic diseases.

AIM

To examine whether socio-demographic factors, health risk factors and psychological distress are associated with carbonated soft drink consumption among adolescents in selected senior high schools in Ghana.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the 2012 Ghana Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Participants consisted of 1756 school-going adolescents sampled using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Binomial logistic regression was used to determine whether socio-demographic factors, health risk factors and psychological distress were associated with consumption of soft drinks.

RESULTS

The prevalence of carbonated soft drinks consumption was 34.9%. Males (odds ratio (OR) = 0.73 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.59-0.92); p = 0.007), and participants with high socio-economic status (OR = 0.76 (95% CI 0.48-0.97); p = 0.033) had smaller odds for consumption of soft drinks. Also, adolescents in Senior High School (SHS) 3 (OR = 0.72 (95% CI 0.53-0.97); p = 0.034) and SHS 4 (OR = 0.63 (95% CI 0.43-0.91); p = 0.014) had smaller odds for soft drinks intake compared to those in SHS 1. Health risk factors associated with greater odds of high soft drink consumption were tobacco use (OR = 1.68, (95% CI 1.07-2.65); p = 0.025), fast food consumption (OR = 1.88, (95% CI 1.47-2.41); p = 0.011) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.43, (95% CI 1.02-1.99); p = 0.039). Consuming adequate fruit (OR = 0.19 (95% CI 0.15-0.24); p = 0.000) and adequate vegetable (OR = 0.55 (95% CI 0.34-0.87); p = 0.011) were associated with lower odds for soft drink consumption. Adolescents who reported feeling anxious had smaller odds for soft drink intake (OR = 0.65, (95% CI 0.47-0.91); p = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study show that socio-demographic characteristics, health risk factors and psychological distress are associated with the soft drink consumption among adolescents in Ghana. Interventions aimed at reducing soft drink consumption and other health risk factors are needed.

Use of Energy Drinks Among Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: Energy drinks are widely consumed among young people, although they have serious side effects. This study is intended to describe the relations between variables such as socio-demographic characteristics, daily habits, consumption of energy drinks, and its frequency among participants. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive research is a survey of consecutive patients aged between 10 and 18 years who admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Outpatient Clinic of Diyarbakır Pediatric Diseases Hospital between November 1, 2019 and April 30, 2020. Note that the frequency distribution and averages were found and categorical data were compared using the chi-square test while numerical data were compared using the independent sample t test. Results: Note that 503 participants were included in the study; the mean age of the participants was 16.0±1.9 years, 59.4% (n=299), of which were male. Moreover, 64.2% (n=323), of the participants consumed energy drinks with 65.3% (n=211) consuming one can per week; 45.5% (n=147) of participants consumed energy drinks out of curiosity. Moreover, as the level of education and income of the participants and the parents decreased, the consumption of energy drinks increased, and this was statistically significant. Alcohol, smoking, and substance use increased the rate of energy drinks consumption, which was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Educational programs should be planned to inform the whole society, and especially children and adolescents with low socioeconomic status and educational background about the damages to health caused by energy drinks consumption. Moreover, it is necessary to review the legal regulations for the sale and marketing of energy drinks. Keywords: energy drinks, consumption, adolescents

International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and exercise performance

Following critical evaluation of the available literature to date, The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) position regarding caffeine intake is as follows: 1. Supplementation with caffeine has been shown to acutely enhance various aspects of exercise performance in many but not all studies. Small to moderate benefits of caffeine use include, but are not limited to: muscular endurance, movement velocity and muscular strength, sprinting, jumping, and throwing performance, as well as a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic sport-specific actions. 2. Aerobic endurance appears to be the form of exercise with the most consistent moderate-to-large benefits from caffeine use, although the magnitude of its effects differs between individuals. 3. Caffeine has consistently been shown to improve exercise performance when consumed in doses of 3-6 mg/kg body mass. Minimal effective doses of caffeine currently remain unclear but they may be as low as 2 mg/kg body mass. Very high doses of caffeine (e.g. 9 mg/kg) are associated with a high incidence of side-effects and do not seem to be required to elicit an ergogenic effect. 4. The most commonly used timing of caffeine supplementation is 60 min pre-exercise. Optimal timing of caffeine ingestion likely depends on the source of caffeine. For example, as compared to caffeine capsules, caffeine chewing gums may require a shorter waiting time from consumption to the start of the exercise session. 5. Caffeine appears to improve physical performance in both trained and untrained individuals. 6. Inter-individual differences in sport and exercise performance as well as adverse effects on sleep or feelings of anxiety following caffeine ingestion may be attributed to genetic variation associated with caffeine metabolism, and physical and psychological response. Other factors such as habitual caffeine intake also may play a role in between-individual response variation. 7. Caffeine has been shown to be ergogenic for cognitive function, including attention and vigilance, in most individuals. 8. Caffeine may improve cognitive and physical performance in some individuals under conditions of sleep deprivation. 9. The use of caffeine in conjunction with endurance exercise in the heat and at altitude is well supported when dosages range from 3 to 6 mg/kg and 4-6 mg/kg, respectively. 10. Alternative sources of caffeine such as caffeinated chewing gum, mouth rinses, energy gels and chews have been shown to improve performance, primarily in aerobic exercise. 11. Energy drinks and pre-workout supplements containing caffeine have been demonstrated to enhance both anaerobic and aerobic performance.

Factors Influencing Energy Drink Consumption in Participants and Viewers of Extreme Sports

Objective

To quantify energy drink consumption and influences affecting consumption in those who participate in or watch extreme sports.

Methods

An online survey, informed by focus groups, was administered via Quadrics®. Advertisement was via social media, emailing extreme sport clubs, flyers at extreme sport locations, and word of mouth. Participation was limited to those >18 y who watched and/or participated in extreme sports. The study was conducted in New Zealand, with international online availability. Variables measured comprised age, sex, energy drink consumption, reasons for their use, extreme sport viewing, advertising, and sponsorship. Logistic regression models were utilised.

Results

Amongst participants who completed the questionnaire (n = 247), the mean (SD) age was 26.2 (8.2) y, 40.5% were female, 57.9% consumed energy drinks, and 25.5% consumed >one per week. For every year older, odds of consuming energy drinks were 3.1% lower (p=0.04). A 31% increase in energy drink consumption for every single increase of viewing extreme sport per week was observed (p=0.009); however, reported viewing of advertising was not associated with increased consumption.

Conclusions

A large proportion of extreme sport enthusiasts regularly consume energy drinks, especially younger adults. Extreme sport viewing, where energy drink sponsorship is common, appears to increase their consumption, even if not considered advertising by the viewers themselves.

Determinants of energy drink consumption in adolescents: identification of sex-specific patterns

OBJECTIVES

To investigate sex differences in sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of frequent energy drink (ED) consumption in adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was based on data collected among French-speaking Belgian adolescents aged 11-20 years (n = 8137) within the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study.

METHODS

Multiple logistic analyses stratified by sex were performed to estimate the associations between consuming EDs more than once a week, and various sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics.

RESULTS

Overall, 14.0% of boys and 7.6% of girls consumed ED more than once a week. For both genders, the likelihood of consuming ED more than once a week was higher among adolescents consuming soft drinks daily (vs. < daily), alcohol weekly (vs. < weekly), spending at least 5 h/day in front of screens (vs. < 5 h/day), and going to bed later than 11:30 PM (vs. ≤ 10:00 PM). Among boys, adolescents reporting at least 1 h of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily (vs. < 1 h/day MVPA) were more likely to consume ED more than once a week (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.01)). Among girls, adolescents from low affluence families (vs. high affluence) (aOR = 2.03 (95% CI 1.19-3.48)) and immigrants (vs. natives) (2nd generation: aOR = 1.75 (95% CI 1.31-2.32); 1st generation: aOR = 1.90 (95% CI 1.20-3.03)) were more likely to consume ED more than once a week.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified different patterns of ED consumption in boys and girls. These results suggest that sex-tailored interventions could be relevant to reduce ED consumption in adolescents.

Energy Drink Consumption and Substance Use Among Middle and High School Students

This study examined the association between energy drink consumption and substance use among adolescents and tested whether sex and/or grade level (i.e., middle vs. high school) moderate the association. Data were derived from the 2017 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, a representative survey of students in 7th to 12th grade. Analyses included 10,662 students who self-reported information on energy drink consumption and substance use. Poisson regression models were used with adjustments for important covariates. Energy drink consumption was associated with tobacco cigarette smoking (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 3.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.22-4.35), cannabis use (IRR: 2.90; 95% CI: 2.53-3.32), binge drinking (IRR: 2.46; 95% CI: 2.05-2.96), opioid use (IRR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.85-2.68), and alcohol use (IRR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.26-1.36). The associations of energy drink consumption with tobacco cigarette smoking, cannabis use, and alcohol consumption were modified by grade level (two-way interaction terms p < 0.05). The association between energy drink consumption and substance use was generally much stronger among middle school students compared with high school students. The findings suggest that middle school students may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of energy drinks in relation with substance use.

[Prevalence and associated factors to energy drinks consumption among teenagers in the province of Barcelona (Spain)]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the prevalence of energy drinks consumption among 4th year high school students in the province of Barcelona (Spain), and its association to sociodemographic characteristics and health related habits.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study including 8078 students from randomly selected high schools in 41 municipalities. Sociodemographic and health characteristics were collected from the Questionnaire on health related habits. Studied variables: energy drinks consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, health related habits and risk behaviours. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. To analyse the factors associated with energy drinks consumption, logistic regression models were used, adjusting by sex and age and considering significance at p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

30.9% of the sample consumed energy drinks during the last week. According to the model, consumption was higher among men (odds ratio [OR]: 3.29; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 2.82-3.83), first generation migrants (OR: 2.46; 95%CI: 2.01-3.03), and children of parents without studies (OR: 3.15; 95%CI: 2.08-4.77). Not having breakfast (OR: 1.53; 95%CI: 1.17-2.00), practising sport (OR: 1.40; 95%CI: 1.11-1.75), regular alcohol (OR: 1.51; 95%CI: 1.19-1.91) and tobacco (OR: 1.79; 95%CI: 1.33-2.41) consumption, and a worse school performance (OR: 2.21; 95%CI: 1.47-3.32), were also risk factors for energy drinks use.

CONCLUSIONS

Energy drinks consumption is a prevalent habit among adolescents. Its pattern varies depending on sociodemographic characteristics, with gender playing a relevant role. Health related habits and risk behaviours have been associated too to energy drinks use. Further evidence regarding consumption and its risk factors will allow the development of effective preventive strategies.

Impact of Energy Drinks on Health and Well-being

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Energy drinks and energy shots are functional supplements with higher caffeine content marketed toward adolescents and young adults with the intention of boosting energy. Parallel to its rising popularity, there are safety concerns with the consumption of these beverages. Herein, we reviewed the impact these supplements produce on health and well-being.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most of the promoted benefits of the beverages can be attributed to caffeine. The physiologic effects, if any, of other ingredients such as vitamins and herbal extracts are unclear. The presence of a higher caffeine content as compared to soft drinks may predispose to caffeine intoxication in susceptible individuals. Also, the practice of co-ingestion of these beverages with alcohol is still prevalent and associated with serious consequences. Strict regulations (restriction of sales, clear warning labels, capping caffeine levels) and public education may help prevent the adverse outcomes from these beverages.

Energy drink consumption in a pluri-ethnic population of adolescents in the Pacific

OBJECTIVE

Energy drinks are very popular among teenagers but may cause health problems. Energy drink consumption is partly associated with energy drink perception, but little is known about this in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify the relationships between energy drink consumption, energy drink perception, weight status and sociodemographic characteristics in a school-going sample of Pacific adolescents.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study carried out in the schools during school hours between July 2015 and April 2016.

SETTING

Sociodemographic characteristics, weight status, energy drink perception, and quantity of energy drinks consumed were obtained. Chi-square tests of independence, independent t tests, multivariate logistic regressions and multiple linear regressions were used.

SUBJECTS

A representative sample of 678 New Caledonian adolescents (11-16 years).

RESULTS

We found that one third of New Caledonian adolescents consume energy drinks. Boys are more likely to drink them than girls and Polynesians drink significantly more than European and Melanesian adolescents. Higher energy drink consumption in the New Caledonian adolescents is associated with good or neutral perceptions of the energy drink impact on health. Moreover, sex (being male) significantly influences the total energy drink consumption per week. Energy drink consumers have a tendency toward better perceptions of energy drinks than non-consumers.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional education targeting energy drink consumers should take these results into account by providing (community-based) educational programs, especially for adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds, boys, or those living in rural areas.

Consumption of energy drinks among adolescents in Norway: a cross-sectional study

Background

Energy drink (ED) consumption is increasing all over the world. We sought to describe the consumption of EDs among adolescents in Norway, and to explore the determinants of daily and high consumption.

Methods

Population-based cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 31,091 secondary school students in grade 8–13 aged 12–19 years. School grade, residency, socioeconomic status (SES), physical activity and leisure screen time were included in multiple regression analyses, in order to investigate their associations with daily and high (≥four times weekly) ED consumption.

Results

52.3% of the respondents were ED consumers and 3.5% were high consumers. Boys consumed twice as much ED as girls (boys: 36.3 ml/day, girls: 18.5 ml/day, geometric means), and the proportion of male high consumers was 3.7-times higher than that of females. The adjusted odd ratio (OR) of upper secondary school (grades 11–13, ages 15–19) students being high ED consumers were higher than for lower secondary school (grades 8–10, ages 12–15) students (OR 1.1(confidence interval (CI):1.0–1.3)), as well as higher for rural than urban residents (OR 1.3 (CI: 1.1–1.5)). Gradients for the increased ORs of being a high ED consumer were found for decreased SES, decreased frequency of physical activity and increased daily leisure screen time.

Conclusions

More than half of the respondents reported that they were ED consumers. Daily and high consumption were independently associated with male gender, physical inactivity, high leisure screen time, low socioeconomic status and rural residency.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6236-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.