Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We aim to investigate the knowledge towards Energy Drinks (EDs) consumption and related factors among young male athletes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
 
 SUBJECTS & METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 688 young male athletes from Al Ain sports club aged between 7 to 18 years. Data were collected using a modified version of a validated questionnaire from the European Food Safety Authority.
 
 RESULTS: Overall EDs consumption was 24%. About 44% of the athletes consumed EDs one to two times per month. Athletes who were training between 5-7 days per week consumed significantly more EDs compared to those who were training 3-4 days per week (81% vs. 15 %, P<0.001). Athletes aged 7-12 years were 2.4 times more likely to consume EDs than athletes aged 13-18 years (P<0.001). Moreover, athletes living with both parents were significantly less likely to consume EDs compared to those living with a single parent (P=0.01). Knowledge score about EDs consumption was significantly higher for non EDs consumers compared to EDs consumers (P<0.001). 
 
 CONCLUSIONS: EDs consumption among young male athletes was moderate. Educational programs are needed to increase the awareness regarding EDs consumption and its potential adverse effects among the young athletes. A regulation policy for EDs consumption should be addressed and consideration of labels with EDs contents and age identification is highly recommended.
Highlights
Energy Drinks (EDs) has become one of the most popular beverages worldwide
Athletes who were training between 5–7 days per week consumed significantly more EDs compared to those who were training 3–4 days per week (81% vs. 15 %, P
Athletes aged 7–12 years were 2.4 times more likely to consume EDs than athletes aged 13-18 years (P
Summary
Energy Drinks (EDs) has become one of the most popular beverages worldwide They are defined as any type of non-alcoholic beverages that contains caffeine as a main ingredient, taurine, vitamins, and other ingredients combination (such as guarana and ginseng, etc.) (Metrology, 2015; Zucconi, 2013). Many reports on the adverse effects of EDs consumption have been received by poison control centers and regulatory authorities (Ali, Rehman, Babayan, Stapleton, & Joshi, 2015; FDA, 2012; Gunja, 2012; Seifert, Schaechter, Hershorin, & Lipshultz, 2011). These reports included cardiac, neurological and gastrointestinal adverse effects. According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the higher limit of moderate caffeine consumption among healthy gjhs.ccsenet.org
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