Energy Drink Intake Research Articles

Comparing the Physical Activity Patterns of Male and Female Students in the Preparatory Year in Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study examined the differences in physical activity patterns between male and female university students in their Preparatory Year at the University of Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional design that recruited 23 males and 23 females from the Art Route of the Preparatory Year at the university (mean BMI was 24.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2 for males and 29.3 ± 8.1 kg/m2 for females). All participants wore accelerometers for 7 consecutive days and completed a diet questionnaire. Results: Male and female students respectively spent 66.4% and 65.8% of their daily waking time sedentary and 30.1% and 32.1% in light physical activity. Males spent significantly more time (3.5%) in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than females did (2.1%) (P ≤ 0.01). The average levels of MVPA for at least 10 minutes were 14.1 and 12.3 minutes for males and females, respectively. Male and female students spent 65% of their daily sedentary time in prolonged sedentary sessions of more than 20 minutes, with no differences between males and females or between weekdays and weekends. Females showed healthier food habits than males did , through greater vegetable intake (p ≤ 0.05) and lower consumption of fast food, soft drinks, and energy drinks (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Female university students showed lower levels of MVPA compared with males, but they chose healthier food options. Increasing MVPA among female university students should be the priority for university health educators

Effect of Different Doses of Power Horse Energy Drink on Submandibular Salivary Glands of Albino Rats

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate histological the effect of power horse energy drink intake with different doses on the submandibular salivary glands of albino rats. The possible modulated recovery of expected adverse effects from the different doses of the taken power horse energy drink. Materials and Methods: Sixty five adult male albino rats (weighing 180-200 grams) were divided equally into seven groups. Group I (control), group (IIA,IIIA&IVA) which received a daily different dose power horse energy drink using an oro-pharyngeal metallic curved tube for 8 weeks then sacrified and group(IIB,IIIB&IVB)which left alive with stoppage of beverage intake for another 4 weeks for recovery then scarification were done. The specimen were stained by H&E. Result: Power horse energy drink intake result in adverse effects on the submandibular salivary glands in the form of structural changes of all gland elements including: These changes are dose dependant and showed in the following:Atrophy of secretory units, loss of normal glandular architecture, numerous signs of degeneration and premalignant changes. Signs of degeneration of striated.

Energy Drinks Do Not Improve Le Parkour Performance: A Randomized Controlled Study

Le Parkour is a sport where the athletes transpose common day-to-day obstacles in the best possible way. This sport demands elements like strength, focus and decision making; elements supposedly affected by energy drinks, with performance improvement. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of energy drink ingestion on Le Parkour athlete’s performance. Twelve male amateur athletes, mean age of 23.5 ± 2.74, took part in this randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled study. Subjects were randomly assigned to drink: 250 ml of energy drink, 500 ml of energy drink or placebo. Forty minutes after the beverage consumption, they were evaluated in a specific circuit performance test (time to complete the circuit) followed by a perceived exertion and a circuit technical difficulty evaluation. We also evaluated heart rate in 3 different moments: rest, pre-circuit and post-circuit. All variables were collected in 3 different experimental days. Time, perceived exertion and technical difficulty were higher in the first day compared to the others. Heart rate did not show a difference when we compared the days. Drinking one or two cans of an energy drink did not improve performance of Le Parkour athletes in a sport specific test. It also did not change heart rate or perceived exertion.

Age of first use of energy beverages predicts future maximal consumption among naval pilot and flight officer candidates

BackgroundEnergy drinks are popular beverages that can have adverse long-term health effects when consumed by children and adolescents. This study sought to determine if the age of first energy drink use in a U.S. military population is predictive of the maximum number of energy drinks consumed during a single day and/or single occasion (operationally defined as a couple of hours; e.g., a night out, during studying or sport session). MethodStudent U.S. naval aviator and naval flight officers who reported past-year use of energy drinks (N=239) were surveyed to determine various measures of energy drink consumption. ResultsAge of first consumption was predictive of the maximum number of energy drinks consumed during a single occasion within the past year. Within this sample, the age range between 13 and 16years appeared to be a critical period with results indicating that people who began consuming energy drinks during this period were 4.88 times more likely to consume high quantities (four or more) of energy drinks during a single occasion when compared to those who started consuming energy drinks between the ages of 20–23. Likewise, persons who began to consume energy drinks between the ages of 13–16 are 2.48 times more likely to consume high quantities of energy drinks during a single occasion than those who started between the ages of 17–19. There was no difference between 17 and 19year olds and 20–23year olds. Age of first use was not correlated to daily average intake or daily maximal intake of energy drinks. ConclusionsA lower age of first energy drink use suggests higher risk of single-occasion heavy episodic consumption in this military population. Researchers should further explore the relationship of early onset energy drink consumption and potential future health risks.

Awareness of energy drink intake guidelines and associated consumption practices: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundDespite concern regarding harms of energy drink (ED) consumption, no research has been conducted to determine awareness and compliance with ED intake guidelines displayed on product packaging in Australia (a novel approach internationally).MethodsA convenience sample of 1922 people completed an online survey. Participants reported their knowledge of maximum recommended daily ED intake according to Australian guidelines.ResultsGuideline awareness was reported by 38, 23 and 19 % of past year consumers, lifetime, and non-consumers, respectively. Amongst past year consumers, ‘accurate estimators’ reported greater ED intake and were more likely to exceed intake guidelines and consume alcohol mixed with ED (AmED). After controlling for demographics and frequency of use, guideline awareness predicted increased likelihood of exceeding guidelines in ED sessions, but was not associated with exceeding ED guidelines in AmED sessions.ConclusionsAustralia is considered to have the most stringent regulatory approach to EDs internationally. However, advisory statements are not associated with greater awareness and compliance with intake guidelines. Failure to comply with standards for efficacious product labelling, and absence of broader education regarding guidelines, needs to be addressed.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2685-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Abstract 11558: Increase in Norepinephrine After Energy Drink Intake in Healthy Adults

Introduction: The popularity of energy drinks among young adults is rising. Warnings have been issued regarding potential health risks including adverse cardiovascular complications. We and others have previously shown that energy drink consumption increases blood pressure. The mechanisms are not fully understood. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that increase in blood pressure after drinking a commercially available energy drink, compared to a placebo, is secondary to increased sympathetic activation. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, we studied 25 healthy subjects, age 29±1 years, who were free of known disease, had no known cardiovascular risk factors, and were not on any medications. Each subject consumed a can, 16-fluid ounces, of Rockstar energy drink or a placebo drink in random order on two separate days. Blood pressure (n=25) and plasma norepinephrine levels (n=23) were measured before and 30-minutes after drink consumption. Results: Despite the increase in blood pressure after drinking Rockstar energy drink, which would be expected to elicit reflex reductions in central sympathetic outflow, plasma norepinephrine levels increased markedly after energy drink consumption vs placebo (73.6±9.7% vs 30.9±9.7%, respectively, P=0.003; Figure). Specifically, plasma norepinephrine levels increased from 149.8±11.7pg/ml to 249.8±17.3pg/ml after the energy drink consumption and from 139.9±11.7pg/ml to 178.6±17.3pg/ml after placebo (P=0.0007 for timeхtreatment comparison). Conclusions: Increased blood pressure after consumption of commercially available energy drink is associated with significantly increased catecholamine levels in young healthy adults. These acute hemodynamic and adrenergic changes may predispose to increased cardiovascular risk by triggering arrhythmias or ischemia, particularly in individuals with a vulnerable cardiovascular substrate.

Lack of parental rules increases the risk for high intake of soft and energy drinks in adolescents

Background Consumption of soft drinks and energy drinks is very popular among adolescents across Europe. High and regular intake of these beverages has been shown to be associated with negative health consequences among adolescents. Parental behaviour has been identified as a factor influencing eating behaviour of …

Perceived Stress and Coffee and Energy Drink Consumption Predict Poor Sleep Quality in Podiatric Medical Students A Cross-sectional Study.

A cross-sectional survey administered to first- and second-year podiatric medical students aimed to investigate the effect of coffee intake, energy drink consumption, and perceived stress on sleep quality in medical students during their preclinical studies. Ninety-eight of 183 students contacted (53.6%) completed a questionnaire comprising standard instruments measuring sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness scale), and perceived stress (ten-item Perceived Stress Scale). Furthermore, we investigated coffee and energy drink consumption. Logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with poor sleep quality and the relation between sleep quality and academic performance (grade point average). High prevalences of poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and perceived stress were reported. In addition, higher odds of developing poor sleep quality were associated with coffee and energy drink intake, perceived stress, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was inversely correlated with grade point average. First- and second-year podiatric medical students have poor sleep quality. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies to reduce stress and decrease coffee and energy drink intake to minimize their negative effect on sleep quality and academic performance in podiatric medical students.

The Effects of High-Caffeine Energy Drink Consumption on the Vital Signs and Mood States

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of high caffeine energy drink consumption on the vital signs and mood states among university students. Thirty students were randomly assigned to experimental and control group. The vital signs and mood status were measured repeatedly at 20, 40, 60 minutes after intake of high caffeine energy drink 2 cans in the experimental group. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney u-test, and repeated measure ANOVA. The systolic blood pressure and tension and confusion were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group. Therefore, it needed to form desirable consumption habits and increase awareness of potential risks of high caffeine energy drink among university students. Keyword : University, Students, Caffeine, Energy drinks, Consumption

Energy Drinks and Myocardial Ischemia: A Review of Case Reports.

The use and abuse of energy drinks (EDs) is constantly increasing worldwide. We performed a systematic search in Medline, Scopus and Web of Science to identify evidence about the potential link between these beverages and myocardial ischemia. Overall, 8 case reports could be detected, all of which described a realistic association between large intake of EDs and episodes of myocardial ischemia. Interestingly, no additional triggers of myocardial ischemia other than energy drinks could be identified in the vast majority of cases. Some plausible explanations can be brought in support of this association. Most of the biological effects of EDs are seemingly mediated by a positive inotropic effect on cardiac function, which entails increase in heart rate, cardiac output and contractility, stroke volume and arterial blood pressure. Additional biological abnormalities reported after EDs intake include increased platelet aggregation, endothelial dysfunction, hyperglycemia as well as an increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Although a causal relationship between large consumption of EDs and myocardial ischemia cannot be definitely established so far, concerns about the cardiovascular risk of excessive consumption of these beverages are seemingly justified.

Correlates of University Students' Soft and Energy Drink Consumption According to Gender and Residency.

This study assessed personal and environmental correlates of Belgian university students’ soft and energy drink consumption and investigated whether these associations were moderated by gender or residency. Four hundred twenty-five university students completed a self-reported on-line questionnaire assessing socio-demographics, health status, soft and energy drink consumption, as well as personal and environmental factors related to soft and energy drink consumption. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Students believing soft drink intake should be minimized (individual subjective norm), finding it less difficult to avoid soft drinks (perceived behavioral control), being convinced they could avoid soft drinks in different situations (self-efficacy), having family and friends who rarely consume soft drinks (modelling), and having stricter family rules about soft drink intake were less likely to consume soft drinks. Students showing stronger behavioral control, having stricter family rules about energy drink intake, and reporting lower energy drink availability were less likely to consume energy drinks. Gender and residency moderated several associations between psychosocial constructs and consumption. Future research should investigate whether interventions focusing on the above personal and environmental correlates can indeed improve university students’ beverage choices.

Effects of energy drink consumption on corrected QT interval and heart rate variability in young obese Saudi male university students.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESConsumption of energy drinks has adverse effects on the heart that might be potentiated in obese individuals. Since the incidence of obesity and use of energy drinks is high among Saudi youth, we used non-invasive tests to study hemodynamic changes produced by altered autonomic cardiac activity following consumption of energy drinks in obese male students.DESIGN AND SETTINGThis cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, over a one-year period from December 2013 to December 2014.SUBJECTS AND METHODSIn Saudi male university students we measured continuous ECG recordings and a one-minute deep breathing maneuver to measure the expiratory-to-inspiratory ratio, the mean heart rate range (MHRR), the mean percentage variability. (M%VHR) and the corrected QT interval (QTc) at 0, 30 and 60 minutes after consumption of energy drink.RESULTSWe enrolled 31 students (18 overweight/obese and 13 normal weights. QTc was significantly increased at 60 min as compared with the resting state in overweight/obese subjects (P=.006). Heart rate variability was significantly less in obese as compared with normal weight subjects at 60 minutes as indicated by E:I ratio, (P=.037), MHRR (P=.012), M%VHR (P=.040) after energy drink consumption. Significant increases in diastolic (P= .020) and mean arterial blood pressure (P=.024) were observed at 30 minutes in the obese group.CONCLUSIONHemodynamic changes after intake of energy drinks in obese subjects indicate that obesity and energy drinks could synergistically induce harmful effects. This finding warrants efforts to caution the obese on intake of energy drinks and timely intervention to motivate changes in life style.

Analysis of the Consumption of Caffeinated Energy Drinks among Polish Adolescents.

Background: Energy drinks (EDs) are extremely popular among adults and adolescents. Regular intake of EDs may lead to an overdose of caffeine, loss of bone mass, overweight, hypertension and, in older age, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Some people mix EDs with alcohol, which adversely affects their health. The objective of this study was to analyze the consumption of EDs by adolescents. Methods: The study consisted of a questionnaire surveying amounts of drinks, preferences and product awareness among younger consumers. The study was carried out in junior and senior high schools in Poland (n = 2629). Results: EDs were consumed by 67% of students (quite frequently by 16%). Students who practiced sports were more willing to drink EDs. Also, boys drank them more often than girls. When selecting a particular ED, young people looked at the taste, price and effect. Most respondents consumed one ED (250 mL) daily, although there were individuals consuming two or more drinks daily. Most respondents knew the ingredients of EDs, and 24% admitted to mixing EDs with alcohol. Conclusions: EDs are extremely popular among adolescents. Young people drinking EDs every day are potentially at risk of taking an overdose of caffeine.

Effect of energy drink intake before exercise on indices of physical performance in untrained females.

Objectives:To determine the effect of energy drink consumption before exercise on indices of physical performance in untrained females.Methods:This single blind placebo controlled experimental study was carried out at the Physiology Department, University of Dammam, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from September 2011 to May 2012, on 32 healthy female students, in a crossover design. They were given either a standardized energy drink or the placebo 45 minutes before the exercise. Time to exhaustion and the stages of Bruce protocol achieved were noted. Heart rate, blood pressure, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, and blood lactate were recorded before and after the exercise. Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was calculated by formula. Paired sample t-test was used for statistics.Results:The mean age was 19.93±0.8 years, mean height 156.40±3.83 cm, and the mean weight 51.73±3.65 kg. Time to exhaustion in the placebo group was 11.67±1.51 minutes and 11.41±1.56 in the energy drink group (p<0.157). The VO2max in the placebo group was 34.06±6.62, while it was 32.89±6.83 in the energy drink group (p<0.154). There were no significant differences between the placebo and the energy drinks groups in regards to heart rate, blood pressure, and blood lactate levels, before or after the exercise. However, there were significant differences before, immediately, and 30 minutes post exercise for all parameters between each group.Conclusion:The effects of energy drinks intake on physical performance during the exercise in our small sample does not significantly differ from placebo.

Self-reported risk-taking behavior during matched-frequency sessions of alcohol versus combined alcohol and energy drinks consumption: does co-ingestion increase risk-taking?

Emerging evidence indicates that consumers of alcohol mixed with energy drink (AmED) self-report lower odds of risk-taking after consuming AmED versus alcohol alone. However, these studies have been criticized for failing to control for relative frequency of AmED versus alcohol-only consumption sessions. These studies also do not account for quantity of consumption and general alcohol-related risk-taking propensity. The aims of the present study were to (i) compare rates of risk-taking in AmED versus alcohol sessions among consumers with matched frequency of use and (ii) identify consumption and person characteristics associated with risk-taking behavior in AmED sessions. Data were extracted from 2 Australian community samples and 1 New Zealand community sample of AmED consumers (n=1,291). One-fifth (21%; n=273) reported matched frequency of AmED and alcohol use. The majority (55%) of matched-frequency participants consumed AmED and alcohol monthly or less. The matched-frequency sample reported significantly lower odds of engaging in 18 of 25 assessed risk behaviors in AmED versus alcohol sessions. Similar rates of engagement were evident across session type for the remaining behaviors, the majority of which were low prevalence (reported by <15%). Regression modeling indicated that risk-taking in AmED sessions was primarily associated with risk-taking in alcohol sessions, with increased average energy drink (ED) intake associated with certain risk behaviors (e.g., being physically hurt, not using contraception, and driving while over the legal alcohol limit). Bivariate analyses from a matched-frequency sample align with past research showing lower odds of risk-taking behavior after AmED versus alcohol consumption for the same individuals. Multivariate analyses showed that risk-taking in alcohol sessions had the strongest association with risk-taking in AmED sessions. However, hypotheses of increased risk-taking post-AmED consumption were partly supported: Greater ED intake was associated with increased likelihood of specific behaviors, including drink-driving, sexual behavior, and aggressive behaviors in the matched-frequency sample after controlling for alcohol intake and risk-taking in alcohol sessions. These findings highlight the need to consider both personal characteristics and beverage effects in harm reduction strategies for AmED consumers.

Perceptions about Energy Drinks are Associated with Energy Drink Intake among U.S. Youth

Energy drinks are growing in popularity among youth because of their stimulant properties. However, they can increase blood pressure and are associated with serious consequences such as cardiac arrest. This study examined the associations between energy drink perceptions and energy drink consumption among youth. The design was a cross-sectional study using the YouthStyles Survey 2011. The online survey was administered at home. Subjects were youths aged 12 to 17 years in the summer of 2011 (n = 779). Energy drink consumption, perceptions about energy drinks, and sociodemographic and behavioral variables were measured. Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. Overall, 9% of youth drank energy drinks, 19.5% agreed that energy drinks are safe drinks for teens, and 12.5% agreed that energy drinks are a type of sports drink. The proportion of youth consuming energy drinks once per week or more was highest among youth aged 16 to 17 years and among those who are physically active three to six times a week. The odds for drinking energy drinks once per week or more was higher among youth who agreed that energy drinks are safe drinks for teens (odds ratios [OR] = 7.7, 95% confidence intervals [CI] =3.6, 16.4) and among those who agreed that energy drinks are a type of sports drink (OR = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.4, 10.7). These findings suggest that many youth may be unaware or misinformed about the potential health effects and nutritional content of energy drinks. Efforts to improve education among youth about the potential adverse effects of consuming energy drinks are needed.

Energy drink consumption patterns and associated factors among nursing students: a descriptive survey study.

This study was conducted to examine energy drink consumption patterns among nursing students and to identify related factors that may influence those students' intake levels. The subjects were nursing students from seven universities located in the Chungcheong Province of Korea. A total of 1,620 questionnaires were used for analysis. Of the 1,620 nursing students, 1,265 students (78.1%) reported having consumed energy drinks. The average amount of energy drink consumption among the nursing students when studying for their most recent midterm examination was 1.63 ± 2.64 cans per week, and the number of energy drink cans drunk during that time spanned 1-30 per week. The major reason given for energy drink intake was combating fatigue. Eleven percent of the participants always checked ingredient levels. Mixing energy drinks with alcohol was not a popular choice. The side effect most reported by nursing students was that of palpitations (27.8%). Factors affecting energy drink intake included gender and monthly allowance amounts. Many nursing students in this study had tried energy drinks, with some of them reporting the use of excessive amounts. Gender and monthly allowance amounts were affecting factors of energy drink intake. Precise labeling that includes all ingredients and their amounts is necessary to prevent future health problems. Nursing students' education should include an overview of energy drinks and their drawbacks as part of their nutrition or health education coursework.

Regulation of Cardiovascular Metabolism by Hormones and Growth Factors.

Currently, metabolic disorders are a cardinal focus of research given their impact in public health problems worldwide. The main risk factors for death in people suffering metabolic disorders are cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic changes are important settings for cardiac cells under these conditions because the cardiovascular system must maintain energy balance to preserve work output and efficiency of the heart. Cardiovascular system is regulated by hormones which control, adjust, and remodel heart metabolism. The role of hormones and growth factors in modulating cardiovascular function impacts different areas of research, especially considering that atypical plasma levels together with variable effects at cellular level are hallmarks of several medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure. Hormones and growth factors produce integrative systemic effects that involve ligand/receptor interactions, generations of second messengers, activation of intracellular signaling cascades, posttranslational modification of proteins, and gene expression. The implications of hormone and growth factor effects encompass the diagnosis, clinical evaluation, and pharmacological intervention. Several studies on metabolic effects of hormones and growth factors in the cardiovascular system are being translated into therapeutic applications. In this issue E. Ostu et al. show the heart as a neuroendocrine gland that interacts with both hormones and cytokines. The authors discuss the current evidence about the dynamic communication between the heart and other organs involved in cardiovascular homeostasis. The exploration of microvascular function is important as predictive tool and as prognosis of cardiovascular risk and progression of heart failure. This paper describes the present knowledge on whether hormones and cytokines influence microvascular function and coronary flow reserve. The work is an interesting contribution to understand the pathological mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction which could further benefit patients suffering metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The incidence of cardiovascular mortality, including sudden death, is higher in men than in women. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Here, L. Skrgatic et al. review publications from the late 1980s to the present to infer whether polycystic ovary syndrome is a cardiometabolic risk factor according to its relationship to several intrinsic factors that are known to produce these metabolic disturbances. Meta-analysis and clinical evidence correlate low testosterone plasma concentrations with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular damage, but safety concerns have been raised over testosterone replacement therapy as an association between myocardial infarction and testosterone replacement therapy in men has been suggested. W. Reilly et al. carried out a large, retrospective study in a multicenter practice center for testosterone treatment. This analysis in patients treated with testosterone did not correlate with high incidence of myocardial infarction. Further studies should be conducted in this field in order to elaborate safe therapeutic replacement protocols. Adipose tissue is an endocrine gland and key controller of body metabolism that interlinks with cardiovascular system. Early, simple, and fast biomarkers determining the association between altered focal point of adipose tissue and cardiovascular risk factors are useful for handling large scale and nutritional interventions and early therapeutic. The work of G. Curic et al. shows the relationship between subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues with incidence of coronary artery disease in cohort of patients assessed at the cardiology unit. Using low cost anthropometric measures obtained from coronary artery disease and noncoronary artery disease patients, the authors found that anthropometric measures and subcutaneous adipose tissue have nonlinear relationship with the expansion of epicardial adipose tissue which is linked to coronary artery disease. Thus epicardial adipose tissue thickness and anthropometric measures have similar coronary artery disease predictive value. Several studies have shown that consumption of energy drinks has short term impact on cardiac contractility. The cardiovascular and metabolic effects of these beverages have been associated with a high intake of caffeine, including high heart rate, palpitations, and increases in blood pressure, whereas hyperglycemic effects are associated with high sugar content. However, high concentrations of caffeine do not fully explain these effects; in this sense the paper of A. Panduric et al. explores the activation of the adrenergic system as a potential mechanism for cardiovascular and hyperglycemic effects produced by elevated energy drink intake. Through determination of heart rate, arterial blood pressure, blood glucose, adrenaline, and noradrenalin plasma levels before and after energy drink intake, the authors argue about positive cognitive functions and effect on cardiovascular and respiratory system at rest and during exercise by increasing activity of the sympathetic nervous system being due, in part, by adrenergic activation. A large number of studies have shown that altered metabolic action of hormones and growth factors correlates significantly with the incidence of cardiovascular disease. These studies suggest the molecular basis for an integrated model of energy unbalance produced in cardiovascular system and hormone action and function. Furthermore, hormone interventional studies have shown an improvement in these cardiovascular risk factors. Cristian Ibarra Sergio Lavandero Manuel Estrada

Analysis on Intake of Energy Drinks of High School Students in Gyeoungbuk Region

This study investigated intake of energy drinks, side effects and willingness to stop intake of 255 high school students in Gyeoungbuk region. The data were collected by the self-administered questionnaire. Frequency, t test, one-way ANOVA, Duncan’s multiple range test, and χ<SUP>2</SUP> test were conducted by SPSS Window V.21.0. About 78% of the respondents had experience of intake of energy drinks. The respondents were aware of energy drinks from ‘advertisements on mass media (44.3%)’, ‘friends (32.2%)’, and ‘looking in stores (16.9%)’. The mean of the amount of energy drink intake per day was 30.62 mg. Forty-four percent of the respondents had energy drinks during an examination period, and 37% took it at home. The main reasons for intake of energy drinks were ‘to fight off sleepiness’, ‘to recover from fatigue’, and ‘good taste’ in order. Many respondents answered that energy drinks did not much help to increase concentration or learning ability. About 72% of the respondents experienced ‘not feel sleepy’ after having energy drinks. Half of the respondents experienced side effects such as palpitation, insomnia, and increase of urination. Most respondents had willingness to stop having energy drinks if it had bad effect on health.

The potential adverse effect of energy drinks on executive functions in early adolescence

Introduction: Manufacturers of energy drinks (EDs) claim their products improve cognitive performance. Young adolescents are in a critical developmental phase. The impact of ED intake on their development is not yet clear. Therefore, we studied the associations of both caffeine intake and ED consumption with executive functions (EFs), and the role of pubertal status and sleeping problems.Methods: A sample of 509 participants (mean age: 13.1 years, SD 0.85; age range: 11–16 years) participated in the study. The level of pubertal development was classified in five pubertal status categories. Participants were asked to report their caffeine (for example coffee) and ED consumption for each day of the week. In addition, they indicated sleep quality by reporting problems falling asleep or waking up and/or interrupted sleep. EFs were assessed by self- and parent reports of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF).Results: Consuming on average one or more ED(s) a day was associated with more problems in self-reported behavior regulation and metacognition, and with more problems in parent-reported metacognition. Only high caffeine consumption (two or more cups a day) was associated with parent-reported problems with metacognition. The sum of caffeine and ED use was associated with a higher amount of problems with self-reported metacognition and parent reported behavior regulation. The effect estimates for the association between caffeine and ED use combined and EFs did not exceed those of EDs or caffeine separately. Adjusting for pubertal status, gender, educational level, number of sleeping problems and hours of sleep did not change the effect estimates substantially.Conclusion: The observed associations between ED consumption and EFs suggest that regular consumption of EDs—even in moderate amounts—may have a negative impact on daily life behaviors related to EF in young adolescents.