A scoping review of policies related to reducing energy drink consumption in children.

BACKGROUND: Frequent consumption of Energy Drinks (EDs) is associated with numerous health problems, including overweight and obesity, particularly among children and adolescents. The extensive promotion, wide accessibility, and relatively low cost of EDs have significantly increased their popularity among this age group. This paper examines policies/programs that, directly and indirectly, contribute to reducing ED consumption in children and adolescents and shares global experiences to help policymakers adopt evidence-based policies. METHODS: A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to June 2024, along with reputable international organization websites, to find literature on policies aimed at reducing ED consumption among children and adolescents. All sources meeting the inclusion criteria were included without restrictions. Titles and abstracts were initially screened, followed by a full-text review. After evaluating the quality of the selected studies, data were extracted and, along with information from the selected documents, compiled into a table, detailing the country, policy type, and the effectiveness and weaknesses of each policy. RESULTS: Out of 12166 reviewed studies and documents, 84 studies and 70 documents met the inclusion criteria. 73 countries and territories have implemented policies like taxation, sales bans, school bans, labeling, and marketing restrictions on EDs. Most employ fiscal measures, reducing consumption despite enforcement challenges. Labeling, access restrictions, and marketing bans are common but face issues like black markets. CONCLUSION: This scoping review outlines diverse strategies adopted by countries to reduce ED consumption among children and teenagers, such as taxation, school bans, sales restrictions, and labeling requirements. While heightened awareness of ED harms has reinforced policy efforts, many Asian and African nations lack such measures, some policies remain outdated for over a decade, and existing policies face several challenges. These challenges encompass industry resistance, governmental disagreements, public opposition, economic considerations, and the intricacies of policy design. Considering this, countries should tailor policies to their cultural and social contexts, taking into account each policy's strengths and weaknesses to avoid loopholes. Inter-sectoral cooperation, ongoing policy monitoring, updates, and public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness and ensure effective implementation.

Acute Cardiovascular Effects of Simultaneous Energy Drink and Alcohol Consumption in Young Adults: A Review of Case Reports.

(1) Background: The aim of this review was to identify and summarize adverse cardiovascular health events associated with the simultaneous consumption of energy drinks (ED) and alcohol. Potential prevention strategies and the implementation of research toward the underlying mechanisms for these pathologies were highlighted to emphasize the need for further investigation and to encourage more attention to this field. (2) Methods: The PubMed database was searched for case reports linked with adverse cardiovascular events after simultaneous ED and alcohol consumption. Inclusion criteria were: the reported age of the patient is between 16 and 35 years and confirmed co-consumption of EDs and alcohol. All relevant articles that met the inclusion criteria were fully read and all relevant data was extracted. The extracted data was summarized and presented in this review of cases. (3) Results: In total, 10 cases were identified. The analysis showed that mainly young adults (median age = 24.5 years), in particular men (80%) were affected. The three parts of the cardiovascular system affected were heart rhythm (42%), myocardial function (33%), and coronary arteries (25%). In 3 cases the outcome was fatal. Moreover, preexisting health conditions and/or potential trigger factors were present in 60% of selected cases. (4) Conclusions: This review of case reports suggests that the simultaneous consumption of EDs and alcohol can lead to adverse cardiovascular health events and even incidents with fatal outcomes were reported. Potential trigger factors and preexisting health conditions seem to increase the probability of adverse cardiovascular health events. Consumers should be informed about the potential risks and follow responsible consumption behavior to prevent future health events. More systematic studies are needed to determine the acute effects on the cardiovascular system in young adults.

Prevalence of fatigue and consumption of energy drinks consumption among nursing students studying part-time.

Background: Professional nurses who study part-time are faced with demanding tasks, demanding routine, having to cope with their studies and family commitments. Some nurses try different tactics to cope with their demanding tasks, such as the consumption of energy drinks, to alleviate tiredness and fatigue. Although these energy drinks can alleviate fatigue and boost their energy levels, they have adverse effects to their health such as migraines, insomnia, seizures, arrhythmias and other cardiovascular complications. Aim: To determine the health effects of energy drinks among nurses studying part-time. Setting: Selected university in the Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: Descriptive, quantitative method that was contextual in nature was used. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a conveniently sampled population to determine the health effects of the use of energy drinks. Data analysis were done by means of descriptive statistics using the Statistical package for Social Sciences version 26. Results: Findings indicated that nurses studying part-time experience fatigue (n = 86; 49%). To alleviate fatigue (n = 91; 52%), they use energy drinks. Conclusion: Use of energy drinks is prevalent among the nurses because of fatigue caused by studying while working. To reduce the use of energy drinks, the participants need study leave and to be supported by their families and employers. Contribution: The study encourages reduction or prevent the use of energy drinks by nurses who work and study part-time. Participants must use time management as a coping mechanism.

Mixing energy drinks and alcohol during adolescence impairs brain function: A study of rat hippocampal plasticity.

In the last decades, the consumption of energy drinks has risen dramatically, especially among young people, adolescents and athletes, driven by the constant search for ergogenic effects, such as the increase in physical and cognitive performance. In parallel, mixed consumption of energy drinks and ethanol, under a binge drinking modality, under a binge drinking modality, has similarly grown among adolescents. However, little is known whether the combined consumption of these drinks, during adolescence, may have long-term effects on central function, raising the question of the risks of this habit on brain maturation. Our study was designed to evaluate, by behavioral, electrophysiological and molecular approaches, the long-term effects on hippocampal plasticity of ethanol (EtOH), energy drinks (EDs), or alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AMED) in a rat model of binge-like drinking adolescent administration. The results show that AMED binge-like administration produces adaptive hippocampal changes at the molecular level, associated with electrophysiological and behavioral alterations, which develop during the adolescence and are still detectable in adult animals. Overall, the study indicates that binge-like drinking AMED adolescent exposure represents a habit that may affect permanently hippocampal plasticity.

Energy drink consumption among medical students in Jordan - prevalence, attitudes, and associated factors: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Energy drinks (ED) are popular beverages that contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other supplements, such as vitamins, which are marketed to enhance mental alertness and physical performance. Studies have shown that energy drink consumption is prevalent among medical students. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence, attitudes, and factors associated with energy drink consumption among medical students in Jordan. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students from six public universities in Jordan. A total of 307 students were included in the study, and data were collected using an expert-validated questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The study found that 50% of the sample had consumed ED, half of them started consuming them at the age of 16-18, and learned about them from friends. The primary reasons for consuming ED were to stay awake at night and the majority of them increase their consumption during exams to increase alertness. Regular energy drink consumption was significantly associated with being a student at the university located in the south governorate of Jordan (P=0.021), living alone (P=0.000), drinking alcohol (P=0.049), drinking coffee daily (P=0.043), and consuming more than 10 cans of soft drinks weekly (P=0.001). However, sex, age, academic achievement, and smoking status had no significant association with regular energy drink consumption. Students with regular energy drink consumption experienced daytime sleepiness, decreased concentration, fatigue, and reduced performance more than students with no regular energy drink consumption. Conclusion: The prevalence of energy drink consumption among medical students in Jordan is high, with factors such as social influences, lifestyle behaviors, and academic pressure being significant contributors. This study highlights the need for interventions to promote healthy behaviors and raise awareness about the potential harms of ED among medical students.

Quantitative determination of artificial sweeteners and sucrose in energy drinks and mango juice available in Dhaka city.

Energy drinks and mango juice are popular beverages. Apart from the natural ingredients and some additives present in these drinks, sugar is an important component of both. It has been established that, other than providing sweetness, sugars are potent to bring about health consequences for their consumers. Sweeteners, both artificial (aspartame, sodium cyclamate, and saccharin) and natural (sucrose), were our centers of interest. This study aimed to determine the presence and levels of these sweeteners in energy drinks and mango juice. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the concentration of the mentioned sugars. For this purpose, a total of 42 samples of 7 different brands were collected from different locations in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The methods were found to be linear over the concentration range of 10-26 µg/mL (r2=0.9989), 137-320 µg/mL (r2=0.9891), 2.5-24 µg/mL (r2=0.9915) and 2354-2784 µg/mL (r2=0.9985) for aspartame, sodium cyclamate, saccharin, and sucrose, respectively. Mango juice contained a relatively lower amount of saccharin compared to energy drinks. In the case of aspartame, one brand of energy drinks had the least amount. Moreover, both energy drinks and mango juice had a similar content of sodium cyclamate, but one brand of mango juice had a relatively low content of sodium cyclamate.

Adverse Cardiovascular Events Associated With Kopi Jantan.

Energy drinks (EDs) are widely accessible worldwide. In Malaysia, it is common for EDs to be premixed with sexual stimulants. ED consumption has been shown to have an association with cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and coronary vasospasm. In addition to this, EDs are associated with arrhythmias, which significantly prolong the QTc interval. Myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is defined as a patient presenting with myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary artery disease or ≤50% stenosis. It is a challenging and complex pathophysiology compared to obstructive coronary artery disease. MINOCA is more frequently associated with younger patients and women. Here, we report two cases related to a Malaysian local energy drink Kopi Jantan, which presented with atrial flutter and MINOCA.

Is health literacy of adolescent athletes' parents whose children belonged to sports clubs related to their children's intention to receive medications, vaccines, supplements, and energy drinks? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent athletes' values ​regarding health behaviors, including their attitudes toward doping, are largely derived from those of their parents. Therefore, clarifying the factors that affect parents' intentions regarding their children's medicine intake and nutrition can help elucidate the process of forming values ​​of healthy behaviors in young athletes. METHODS: Between March 8 and March 9, 2021, an online questionnaire survey was conducted via an Internet research company; data from 2,000 residents in Japan were collected. Participants were male and female residents aged 30-59 years with children in elementary or high school and belonging to sports clubs. The survey items included respondent's and child's basic information, respondent's health literacy, and level of sports in which the respondent and child were (or are) engaged. Respondents were also asked if they would like their children to receive prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal medicines, vaccines, supplements, or energy drinks. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between respondents' basic information and health literacy and their intention to receive prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal medicines, vaccines, supplements, and energy drinks. RESULTS: Higher parental health literacy was associated with higher children's willingness to receive prescription drugs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.025, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.016-1.035), over-the-counter drugs (OR = 1.012, 95% CI: 1.003-1.021), prescription herbal medicines (OR = 1.021, 95% CI: 1.021-1.030), over-the-counter herbal medicines (OR = 1.012, 95% CI: 1.003-1.021), and vaccines (OR = 1.025, 95% CI: 1.016-1.035). Conversely, the children's intention to receive energy drinks (OR = 0.990, 95% CI: 0.980-1.000) decreased significantly. As the child's athletic level increased, parents' willingness for their children to receive oral prescription medicines decreased (OR = 0.886, 95% CI: 0.791-0.992) and that to receive supplements (OR = 1.492, 95% CI: 1.330-1.673) and energy drinks significantly increased (OR = 1.480, 95% CI: 1.307-1.676). CONCLUSION: Health literacy of adolescent athletes' parents is associated with their children's willingness to receive medicines. Healthcare providers should counsel parents of adolescent athletes to allow their children to receive necessary drug treatments and prevent doping violations caused by supplement intake.

Effects of an energy drink on myonectin in the liver, kidney and skeletal muscle of exercised rats.

Myonectin is a hormone that is produced mainly by skeletal muscle. We investigated the effects of exercise and energy drink (ED) administration on myonectin expression in skeletal muscle, liver and kidney tissue in rats; myonectin is produced by all three tissues. We used 28 male albino rats in four groups: untreated control (C), exercise (E), energy drink (ED) and exercise + energy drink (E + ED). The E and E + ED groups were exercised using a treadmill for 4 weeks. We also administered 3.5 ml/kg/day ED during week 1, 7 ml/kg/day during week 2 and 10 ml/kg/day during weeks 3 and 4 in the E and E + ED groups. We used ELISA to measure the levels of myonectin in skeletal muscle, liver and kidney tissues. We used immunohistochemical staining to investigate the localization and intensity of myonectin in these tissues. The amount of myonectin in skeletal muscle tissue was increased significantly in all experimental groups compared to group C. The amount of myonectin in the ED group was significantly greater than group E. No significant difference was observed in liver tissue; however, the amount of myonectin in the liver of group C was the greatest among all groups. The amount of myonectin in kidney tissue exhibited no significant difference among groups. Consumption of ED during exercise increased the amount of myonectin in kidney and skeletal muscle tissues and decreased it in liver tissue. We suggest that consumption of ED might adapt metabolism to incresed exercise by controling synthesis of myonectin in liver, kidney and skeletal muscle.

Caffeine consumption and withdrawal among patients in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data surrounding the use of therapeutic caffeine among adults admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine reported caffeine use and withdrawal symptoms among patients admitted to the ICU to inform future prospective interventional trials. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional survey design, where a survey was conducted by a registered dietitian among 100 adult patients admitted to an ICU in Brisbane, Australia. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 59.8 y (interquartile range: 44.0-70.0), and 68% were male. Ninety-nine percent of patients had daily consumption of caffeine with a median 338 mg (interquartile range: 162-504). Caffeine consumption was self-reported in 89% of patients and was uncovered by detailed identification in 10%. Almost one-third (29%) reported caffeine withdrawal symptoms while admitted to intensive care. Common withdrawal symptoms reported were headaches, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and constipation. Eighty-eight percent of patients reported willingness to participate in future studies of therapeutic caffeine if they were admitted to the ICU. Preferred methods of parenteral and enteral routes of administration varied by patient and illness characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted to this ICU were ubiquitous consumers of caffeine before admission, and one-tenth were unaware. Patients viewed trials of therapeutic caffeine as highly acceptable. The results provide important baseline information for future prospective studies.

Novel Energy Drink Improves Cognitive Function and Mood, without Influencing Myocardial Oxygen Demand or Ventricular Repolarization in Adult Gamers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy of acute consumption of a novel energy drink (C4S) versus placebo for improving cognitive and gaming performance and mood. Secondarily, we examined the cardiovascular safety profile of acute C4S consumption. METHODS: Forty-five healthy, young adult video gamers completed two experimental visits in randomized order where they consumed either C4S or a placebo and then completed a validated battery of neurocognitive tests, played five video games, and completed a mood state survey. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, and electrocardiogram measurements were taken at baseline and repeated throughout each visit. RESULTS: Acute consumption of C4S improved cognitive flexibility (absolute mean or median difference [95% CI] = +4.3 [2.2-6.4]; p < 0.001; d = 0.63), executive function (+4.3 [2.3-6.3]; p < 0.001; d = 0.63), sustained attention (+2.1 [0.6-3.6]; p = 0.01; d = 0.44), motor speed (+2.9 [0.8-4.9]; p < 0.001; d = 0.44), psychomotor speed (+3.9 [0.1-7.7]; p = 0.04; d = 0.32) working memory (+1.0 [0.1-1.9]; p = 0.02; d = 0.35), and performance in the two-dimensional visuospatial game Tetris (+463 [-419-2,065] pts; p = 0.049; d = 0.30) compared to placebo. C4S also improved Fatigue-Inertia (-1 [-3-0]; p = 0.004; d = 0.45), Vigor-Activity (+2.4 [1.3-3.6]; p < 0.001; d = 0.64), Friendliness (+0 [0-1]; p = 0.04; d = 0.32), and Total Mood Disturbance (-3 [-6-0]; p = 0.002; d = 0.44). BP increased slightly in C4S versus placebo, while HR decreased from baseline to post-drink in the C4S condition. Rate-pressure-product was higher in C4S versus placebo independent of time but did not increase from baseline. There was no effect on corrected QT interval. CONCLUSION: Acute consumption of C4S was efficacious for cognitive performance, visuospatial gaming performance, and mood enhancement, and had no effect on myocardial oxygen demand or ventricular repolarization, despite being associated with increases in BP.

Prevalence of energy drink consumption world-wide: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The increasing market for energy drinks (EDs) in recent years, as well as the health risks caused by their consumption, prompt calls to estimate the prevalence of ED use among different countries. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the prevalence of ED use in different continents and age groups. METHOD: We searched two databases (i.e. PubMed and PsycInfo) on 31 March 2023 to identify studies reporting the prevalence of ED use. A total of 192 studies (196 distinct samples; n = 1 120 613; 53.37% males) from the United States, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa were included in the analysis. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall pooled prevalence at several time-periods. Subgroup analyses were performed to provide prevalence based on continent and age group. The quality of articles was assessed using Joana Brigg's Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. Measurements included prevalence of ED use (i.e. life-time, past 12 months, past 30 days, past 7 days and daily use), continent and age group (i.e. children, adolescents, young adults and adults). RESULTS: The life-time ED use world-wide-pooled prevalence was estimated to be 54.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 48.8-60.6; I2 = 99.80], 43.4% (95% CI = 36.1-50.6; I2 = 99.92) in the past 12 months, 32.3% (95% CI = 28.8-35.8; I2  = 99.82) in the past 30 days, 21.6% (95% CI = 18.7-24.5; I2 = 99.95) in the past 7 days and 8.82% (95% CI = 6.3-11.4; I2 = 99.95) daily ED use. Subgroups analyses showed significant differences in ED life-time use within age groups (P = 0.002) and continents (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: The world-wide prevalence of energy drink use appears to be high, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

Prevalence of fatigue and consumption of energy drinks consumption among nursing students studying part-time

Background: Professional nurses who study part-time are faced with demanding tasks, demanding routine, having to cope with their studies and family commitments. Some nurses try different tactics to cope with their demanding tasks, such as the consumption of energy drinks, to alleviate tiredness and fatigue. Although these energy drinks can alleviate fatigue and boost their energy levels, they have adverse effects to their health such as migraines, insomnia, seizures, arrhythmias and other cardiovascular complications. Aim: To determine the health effects of energy drinks among nurses studying part-time. Setting: Selected university in the Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: Descriptive, quantitative method that was contextual in nature was used. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a conveniently sampled population to determine the health effects of the use of energy drinks. Data analysis were done by means of descriptive statistics using the Statistical package for Social Sciences version 26. Results: Findings indicated that nurses studying part-time experience fatigue (n = 86; 49%). To alleviate fatigue (n = 91; 52%), they use energy drinks. Conclusion: Use of energy drinks is prevalent among the nurses because of fatigue caused by studying while working. To reduce the use of energy drinks, the participants need study leave and to be supported by their families and employers. Contribution: The study encourages reduction or prevent the use of energy drinks by nurses who work and study part-time. Participants must use time management as a coping mechanism.

Comparison of the Short-Term Effect of Coffee, Energy Drink, and Water on the Eyes in Young Healthy Subjects.

PURPOSE: We aim to compare the short-term effects of energy drink (ED), coffee, and water on the eyes of young healthy male subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right eyes of 30 healthy male subjects were included in this study. We measured the intraocular pressure (IOP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), retinal thickness (RT), choroidal thickness (CT), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT). The measurements for RT and CT were taken at the fovea as well as 1,500 µm nasal and temporal to the fovea. The measurements of the subjects were performed on the first day before water consumption and at 30 minutes and 60 minutes following intake of 250 mL of water. Measurements were repeated at the same regime on the second day after drinking 250 mL of coffee containing an equal concentration of caffeine in ED (37.5 mg) and on the third day after drinking 250 mL of ED. Repeated measures one-way analysis of variance test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was found for ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), MAP, RT, and IOP between the measurements taken on three consecutive days (p>0.05 for all). The CT values for the central, nasal, and temporal segments were significantly reduced in 0-30 and 0-60 minutes following coffee and ED intake (the range of p-value was <0.001-0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Both coffee and ED intake caused acute and significant decreases in CT that persisted for one hour in young healthy male subjects. The impact of ED intake on CT was attributed mainly to its caffeine content.

Energy drinks and waterpipe smoking associated with disordered eating habits among male Palestinian refugees.

This cross-sectional study highlights the concerning relationship between stimulants, alcohol use, and weight-related problems among Palestinian refugee men in the West Bank. Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data on stimulants and alcohol use and eating attitudes and behaviors (EAT-26). The findings revealed that many refugee men were daily cigarette (61.4%) and waterpipe smokers (15.5%), while 30.6% and 2.3% were daily energy drink and alcohol users, respectively. Moreover, most refugee men (67.3%) were obese, and 23.5% were terrified about being obese. They had disordered eating habits, including the impulse to vomit after meals (63.3%). Moreover, 30.7% scored ≥20 using EAT-26 scale, and 44.4% scored at least one positive behavior, including binge eating (40.4%), purging (10.0%), using laxatives or diet pills (8.3%), excessive exercise (30.9%), and losing weight (24.6%). The results of the adjusted binary logistic regression indicated that risk factors associated with self-induced vomiting were daily (OR = 2.71, p-value = 0.004) and weekly energy drink intake (OR = 2.41, p-value = 0.023), weekly alcohol intake (OR = 10.83, p-value = 0.036), and obesity (OR = 2.57, p-value = 0.002), while inversely associated with weekly waterpipe smoking (OR = 0.297, p-value = 0.007). Obesity was inversely associated with daily (OR = 0.146, p-value < 0.01) and weekly waterpipe smoking (OR = 0.259, p-value = 0.002), and weekly cigarette smoking (OR = 0.251, p-value < 0.01). The study underscores the urgent need for community awareness, professional evaluation, and treatment for obesity and disordered eating habits among Palestinian refugee men. It is essential to address the detrimental effects of alcohol and energy drink intake and tobacco smoking to improve the health outcomes of this vulnerable population.

The Era of Energy Drinks: Consumption Pattern, Awareness, Perception, and Their Adverse Impact on Adolescent Health in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Despite the risks associated with energy drinks (EDs), the consumption of EDs remains high, especially among adolescents, so the study aimed to assess the consumption pattern, awareness, perception of EDs, and their adverse impact on adolescent health. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. The study setting is Damanhur City, Beheira governorate, Egypt, with a sample size of 350 participants. A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect the data and consisted of five parts: socio-demographic data, pattern of use, negative adverse effects of EDs, knowledge, and perception. RESULTS: The data reveal that 38.5% of the studied sample consumed EDs, and 14.2% of them consumed more than one time per day. The main reason for consumption was feeling fatigue among 46.4%, followed by 28.7% to increase concentration. Only 36% had satisfactory awareness, and 45.7% perceived that excessive consumption has dangerous effects. Age, educational stage, gender, awareness, and perception are significant influencers on the consumption of EDs. The reported adverse impacts were polyuria among 51.4%, followed by tachycardia (40.0%) and insomnia (35%). CONCLUSION: About one-third of studied adolescents consume EDs regularly and reported several adverse health effects, such as polyuria and tachycardia. The main reason for consumption was feeling fatigued among about half of the studied adolescents. Low awareness levels and negative perceptions were significantly associated with consumption. RECOMMENDATION: Implement educational programs about EDs and their possible risks to improve the awareness level among adolescents. Further studies should be carried out across different countries.

Soft and energy drinks consumption and associated factors in Saudi adults: a national cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The consumption of soft and energy drinks poses a significant risk for non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Studies in Saudi Arabia have reported elevated consumption of soft/energy drinks, but nation-wide data is not available. Therefore, this study aims to explore the prevalence of soft and energy drinks consumption and its associated factors among a representative sample of Saudi adults. Methods: The present research is a secondary data analysis of the 2021 Sharik Diet and Health National Survey (SDHNS). Current analysis used data on socio-demographics, anthropometrics, physical activity, and soft and energy drink consumption. The frequency of soft and energy drinks consumption is assessed on a weekly basis. Results: Of the 5,194 Saudi adults, 3,928 were analyzed. Overall, 67% consumed soft drinks weekly, while 30% consumed energy drinks weekly. In multiple logistic regression, consumption of either soft drinks or energy drinks was associated with males, a younger age, lower income, and lower physical activity. Individuals with overweight or obesity were less likely to consume energy drinks [OR (95%CI): 0.83 (0.71, 0.99) and 0.73 (0.60, 0.90), respectively] than those with healthy weight. However, education level was not associated with either soft or energy drink consumption. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions designed to reduce soft and energy drinks consumption in Saudi adults.

The Dark Side of Energy Drinks: A Comprehensive Review of Their Impact on the Human Body.

In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks by young adults and athletes has risen significantly, but concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. These concerns include cardiovascular problems, nervous system disorders, and the potential for addiction. This review aims to examine the reported effects of acute or chronic abuse of energy drinks on human health. The analysis shows a significant prevalence of adverse effects, particularly on the cardiovascular and neurovegetative systems. In particular, the analysis identified nine cases of cardiac arrest, three of which were fatal. The aetiology of these adverse effects is attributed to the inherent neurostimulant properties of these beverages, of which caffeine is the predominant component. A comparison of documented effects in humans with experimental studies in animal models showed an overlap in results. This review highlights the need for greater rigour in the assessment of sudden cardiac death, particularly in young people, as legal substances such as energy drinks may be involved. We propose stricter limits on the consumption of these beverages than for caffeine, based on the evidence found and the data in the literature. This review also calls for the establishment of regulations governing the consumption of these products in view of their potential impact on human health.

Effects of a ready-to-drink thermogenic beverage on resting energy expenditure, hemodynamic function, and subjective outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Thermogenic supplements are often consumed by individuals seeking to improve energy levels and reduce body fat. These supplements are sold in powdered or ready-to-drink (RTD) forms and consist of a blend of ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, and other botanical compounds. While there is evidence that thermogenic supplements can positively affect resting energy expenditure (REE), the effect varies based on the combination of active ingredients. Additionally, there is some concern that thermogenic supplements may cause unwanted side effects on hemodynamic variables, like heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP). Therefore, further investigation into the efficacy and safety of commercially available products is warranted. METHODS: Twenty-eight individuals (14 F, 14 M; age: 23.3 ± 3.9 yrs; height: 169.4 ± 8.6 cm; body mass: 73.3 ± 13.1 kg) completed two visits in a randomized, double-blind, crossover fashion. Each visit began with baseline REE, HR, and BP assessments, which were followed by ingestion of an active RTD thermogenic beverage (RTD; OxyShred Ultra Energy) or placebo (PL). Assessments were repeated at the intervals of 35-50- and 85-100-minutes post-ingestion. In addition, subjective outcomes of energy, focus, concentration, alertness, and mood were collected five times throughout each visit. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed with condition and time specified as within-subjects factors and sex and resistance training (RT) status as between-subjects factors. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A significant condition × time interaction was observed for REE (p < 0.001). Higher REE values were demonstrated at 35-50 min (0.08 ± 0.02 kcal/min; p = 0.001; 5.2% difference) and 85-100 min (0.08 ± 0.02 kcal/min; p = 0.001; 5.5% difference) after RTD ingestion as compared to PL. No significant condition × time interactions were observed for respiratory quotient, HR, or BP. Condition main effects indicated lower HR (3.0 ± 0.9 bpm; p = 0.003), higher SBP (3.5 ± 1.1 mm Hg; p = 0.003) and higher DBP (3.5 ± 0.9 mm Hg; p < 0.001) in RTD as compared to PL, irrespective of time. Condition × time interactions were observed for all subjective outcomes (p ≤ 0.02). Post hoc tests indicated statistically significant benefits of the RTD over PL for energy, focus, concentration, and alertness, without significant differences for mood after correction for multiple comparisons. Sex and RT status were not involved in interactions for any outcomes, except for a Sex × RT status interaction for energy, indicating higher energy ratings in non-resistance-trained vs. resistance-trained males. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that acute ingestion of a thermogenic RTD beverage significantly increases REE, and this elevated caloric expenditure is sustained for at least 100 minutes following ingestion. Furthermore, the RTD beverage increased measures of energy, focus, concentration, and alertness as compared to placebo. While minor differences in hemodynamic variables were observed between conditions, all values stayed within normal ranges. Individuals aiming to increase energy expenditure may benefit from acute ingestion of an RTD thermogenic supplement.

Acute Myocardial Infarction Following the Consumption of Energy Drink in a 28-Year-Old Male: A Case Report.

Excessive intake of energy drinks is increasingly realized to have a detrimental effect on platelet and endothelial functions with resultant hypercoagulable state and consequently increased risk of thrombosis. A 28-year-old man of African origin presented to the emergency department with an 8-hour history of retrosternal chest pain. His symptoms started 4 hours after consuming 5 cans (1250 cc) of an energy drink whose principal ingredients are caffeine, taurine, sugar, and glucuronolactone. His past medical and surgical history was unremarkable, and he had no apparent cardiovascular risk factor. Physical examination was unremarkable; however, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram showed features of anterolateral myocardial infarction (STEMI). Catheterization confirmed a 100% thrombotic occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery and revascularization with a drug-eluting stent was successful. In conclusion, sudden onset of chest pain following energy drink consumption should raise an index of suspicion for acute coronary syndrome. With the preponderance of data suggesting increased incidence of energy drink-associated coronary events, it is prudent to advocate a limited consumption of such beverages.