Female High School Athletes Regularly Consume Energy Drinks with Moderate and High Caffeine Content

Abstract

Introduction: The consumption of energy drinks can result in unhealthy caffeine intake for children. The objective of this study was to better understand energy drink consumption in young female athletes.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study on self-reported energy drink prevalence and perception of a convenience sample (n=203) of U.S. female high school athletes (age 15.9±1.1 years). Results: Of the athletes responding, 64.5% reported use of an energy drink at some time during the last 12-months. Of this group, >25% reported using energy drinks 3-4 times a week or more. Roughly half of the athletes reported using energy drinks with a high caffeine content (~150-300 mg/serving), and they reported more positive opinions about caffeine's potential (negative) side effects compared to athletes not using energy drinks.Conclusions: A majority of female high school athletes reported the regular use of energy drinks, including those with a high caffeine content, and athletes that reported higher dose usage expressed more positive opinions about the side effects of energy drinks. High schools should include discussion about energy drinks as part of healthy lifestyle education, allowing athletes to make safe choices about the use of such products.