THE DANGERS OF ENERGY DRINKS TO THE HEALTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

This study has conducted a systematic review of the dangers of energy drinks (EDs) to the health of young people. 10 peer-reviewed articles published within the last five years were identified after careful screening of the search results in different databases. One major theme was apparent from the systematic review: energy drink consumption has adverse impacts on the health of young adults. The dangers of EDs manifest in form of reduced sleep, missed breakfasts, increased blood pressure and heart rate, cardiovascular issues, mental health problems, and oral health. A large proportion of young adults are unaware of the danger of energy drinks, and only associate them with improved performance. Public health initiatives should aim to educate the youth about the adverse impacts of EDs. Companies should also practice transparency in labeling with appropriate instructions for the right age of use. Research Aims. What are the dangers of energy drinks to young people’s health Methods. This research employed a systematic review of clinical articles which contained information answering the research question. A search was conducted on EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and Gale using the keywords, “energy drinks” and “the health of young people.” This study categorized young adults as teenagers and the youth aged 10-25 years. Results. Adolescents prone to consuming large amounts of energy drinks are most likely to demonstrate emotional problems, such as anxiety, stress, depression, and nervousness. Conclusion. Overall, young adults face significant risks to their mental, dental, emotional, physical, and behavioral health due to using EDs. Oral health is affected, as EDs reduce the pH level of the saliva. High acidity in oral cavities is associated with various dental issues. Emotional and behavioral problems mediated by reduced sleep and missed breakfast are one of the major impacts of ED consumption. Moreover, EDs affect the blood pressure and heart rate by causing them to rise. Sweetened energy drinks will increase blood glucose and insulin levels. Therefore, public health initiatives should aim to increase education and awareness about the dangers of energy drinks.