A survey of energy drink and alcohol mixed with energy drink consumption.

Racheli Magnezi,Herman Avner Cohen,Haya Grinvald-Fogel,Lisa Carroll Bergman

doi:10.1186/s13584-015-0052-5

Abstract

BackgroundEnergy drink consumption among youth is increasing despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics to eliminate consumption by youth. This study provides information on consumption of energy drinks and alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) in a sample of Israeli youth and how consumer knowledge about the risks affects consumption rates.MethodsThe study was conducted in three Tel Aviv public schools, with a total enrollment of 1,253 students in grades 8 through 12. Among them, 802 students completed a 49-item questionnaire about energy drink and AmED consumption, for a 64 % response rate Non-responders included 451 students who were absent or refused to participate. All students in the same school were administered the questionnaire on the same day.ResultsEnergy drinks are popular among youth (84.2 % have ever drunk). More tenth through twelfth grade students consumed energy drinks than eighth and ninth grade students. Students who began drinking in elementary school (36.8 %) are at elevated risk for current energy drink (P < .001) and AmED (P = .002) use. Knowledge about amounts consumed and recommended allowances is associated with less consumption (OR 1.925; 95 %CI 1.18–3.14).DiscussionThe association between current AmED consumption and drinking ED at a young age is important. Boys and those who start drinking early have a greater risk of both ED and AmED consumption. The characteristics of early drinkers can help increase awareness of potential at-risk youth, such as junior and senior high school students with less educated or single parents.ConclusionsRisks posed by early use on later energy drink and AmED consumption are concerning. We suggest that parents should limit accessibility. Increased knowledge about acceptable and actual amounts of caffeine in a single product might decrease consumption.

Highlights

Energy drink consumption among youth is increasing despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics to eliminate consumption by youth
Risks posed by early use on later energy drink and alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) consumption are concerning
Of those who drank AmED, 80.6 % drank to improve the taste of their alcoholic beverage, 24.6 % to feel intoxicated, 14.6 % out of curiosity, and 13.9 % to feel awake; whereas 11.7 % mixed to consume more alcohol, 10.4 % for social reasons, and 8.4 % to reduce side effects of the alcohol. Of those who currently were consuming AmED, 32.3 % first began drinking in elementary school. Those who started drinking in elementary school were more likely to drink currently and to consume AmED

Summary

Introduction

Energy drink consumption among youth is increasing despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics to eliminate consumption by youth. This study provides information on consumption of energy drinks and alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) in a sample of Israeli youth and how consumer knowledge about the risks affects consumption rates. Children and teens are consuming increasing quantities of energy drinks (ED) internationally [1]. These drinks represent 8.8 % of all sugar-sweetened beverages consumed by high school students [2]. The high level of caffeine in these drinks (70 to 80 mg per 8-oz serving and much higher in some) is especially risky for children and adolescents [4, 5].

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