The impact of social media on adolescent energy drink consumption.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of social media on energy drink consumption among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. An online survey including demographic characteristics (3 questions), consumption patterns of energy drinks (5 questions), and Social Media Effects Scale (4 questions) was completed by 860 Saudi Arabian adolescents. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science version 29, using descriptive statistics and correlation to measure the relationship between social media and energy drink consumption. The results showed that nearly 82% of the adolescent respondents consumed energy drinks once to twice a week. Social media was the most common source of information on energy drinks (42.0%). The major findings of this study showed a positive correlation (r = .592, P > .05) between social media use and consumption of energy drinks. The study found that the average score for the Social Media Effects Scale was 5.75 out of 8, or 71.87%, indicating that social media influences the energy drinks consumption of roughly two-thirds of the study participants. Tailored action plans are required to raise awareness of the negative effects of energy drinks and change consumption patterns among the adolescent population due to a lack of knowledge and poorly controlled legislation on energy drinks.

Chronic Pancreatitis Pain Associated With Energy Drink Consumption: A Case Report.

Chronic pancreatitis is commonly associated with heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoking, though many cases of chronic pancreatitis are idiopathic. Energy drink consumption has been on the rise over the last decade, with an adverse health risk profile including gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia, reflux, and gastritis. There have been several case reports linking energy drink consumption to presentations of acute pancreatitis in adult patients. To our knowledge, the association between energy drinks and episodes of chronic pancreatitis flares has not been well studied. This article explores a case of chronic pancreatitis pain related to excessive energy drink consumption in an adult male patient. This study aims to shed light on energy drinks as a potential etiology of chronic pancreatitis flares, and emphasizes the importance of counseling patients on the potential risks of excessive energy drink consumption.

Energy drinks in Tamale: Understanding youth perceptions, consumption patterns, and related factors.

Energy drinks (EDs) have become a popular choice for young people seeking physical and cognitive boosts, with ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins aimed at improving academic, athletic, and alertness levels. However, the popularity of these drinks is also driven by low prices, taste, brand loyalty, and gendered marketing, with boys being more likely to consume them. Despite the supposed benefits, EDs have been associated with high-risk behaviours, deaths, and adverse health effects, especially those related to cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, in Ghana, the use of EDs is on the rise. Hence, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and consumption patterns, perceptions, and factors associated with ED consumption among the youth of the Tamale Metropolis. The study was cross-sectional, consisting of 541 participants. The group consisted of 340 males and 201 females, between the ages of 15 and 45. A questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on the respondents' consumption patterns and perceptions of EDs, as well as their socio-demographic characteristics. The results of the study indicated that a large percentage of the respondents, 98.7%, had consumed EDs before, while 78.7% currently consume them. Respondents believed that EDs provided additional energy (81.00%) and reduced stress (62.30%). However, they also perceived side effects such as insomnia (60.60%) and restlessness (51.40%). Also, the highest proportion of respondents (83.4%) had poor knowledge of EDs. They were unaware of the classification of EDs and their ingredients, side effects, and benefits. Age, marital status, level of education, work intensity, EDs served at gatherings, and knowledge of EDs was significantly associated with ED consumption (p < .05). Consumption was higher among those aged 26 to 35 years, singles, individuals with no formal education, and those with high work intensity. The high consumption was also associated with low knowledge levels. It is recommended that public health and nutrition professionals engage in further advocacy efforts to improve the youth's knowledge and perception of EDs in a positive manner. In addition, lawmakers should use legislation to influence consumption rates and safeguard the health of consumers.

The Association between High-Caffeine Drink Consumption and Anxiety in Korean Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: As excessive caffeine intake may be associated with anxiety disorders, one of the most prevalent mental illnesses among adolescents globally, this study investigated the association between high caffeine consumption and anxiety in a nationally representative sample of South Korean adolescents. METHODS: 46,873 participants from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) 2022 were included. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire was used to evaluate anxiety symptoms. Survey questions determined the number of times each participant consumed high-caffeine drinks per week. The chi-square test was used to investigate and compare the general characteristics of the study population, and a modified Poisson regression was used to analyze the relationship. RESULTS: Both male and female participants reporting excessive high-caffeine drink consumption exhibited higher anxiety levels (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.31 in males; aPR: 1.14, CI: 1.05-1.23 in females). This association remained statistically significant in subgroup analyses, particularly among high school students and those with a shorter sleep duration. The relationship between high-caffeine drink consumption and anxiety strengthened with increasing anxiety levels. Additionally, there was a dose-dependent relationship between the prevalence of anxiety and high-caffeine drinks. CONCLUSION: High caffeine consumption increases anxiety in South Korean adolescents. This association proved consistent regardless of sex or other socioeconomic factors.

Changes in biochemical and sperm parameters of rats drinking energy drinks.

Tiger energy drink is used in this research to see the effect on serum lipid profile, liver enzymes, and kidney function, also observing changes in sperm parameters. Sixteen male rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of four rats. The control group was given water and rat feed, while groups 1, 2, and 3 were given water with Tiger energy drink (25%, 50%, and 75%, respectively) for eight weeks. The results showed that the effect of energy drinks on lipid profile decreased cholesterol, TG, and LDL, while there was a slight increase in HDL. Treatment with wild Tiger energy drink generally caused insignificant increases in GOT and GPT in both G2 and G3 groups as compared to the control. However, in the G1 group, GPT and GOT significantly increased. Accordingly, ALP concentration was significantly increased in all experimental groups compared to the control group. Sperm quality declined as the concentration of energy drinks consumed increased. The potential adverse effects of energy drinks, at their specific dosages, have been determined to include hepatic and renal impairment, as well as alterations in serum lipids. Additional research is required to investigate the specific mechanism by which energy drinks impact spermatogenesis, either through the modulation of endocrine hormones or other metabolic pathways.

Strict regulations on energy drinks to protect Minors' health in Europe - It is never too late to set things right at home.

The consumption of energy drinks poses significant risks to minors' health, and strict regulations are urgently needed to protect them. The high caffeine, high sugar, and high caloric content of energy drinks have drawn concern from health professionals. The consumption of energy drinks has been linked to unhealthy dietary behaviors, obesity, and mental health problems in adolescents. The psychoactive and stimulant effects of energy drinks are particularly worrisome, and the marketing of these drinks on social media platforms is also a cause for alarm. In light of these concerns, we strongly recommend policy measures, such as restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to minors, to prevent their health risks. The evidence clearly suggests that energy drinks pose significant risks to minors' health and well-being, and regulatory standards must be implemented without further delay.

Association between Beverage Consumption and Sleep Quality in Adolescents.

The objective of this study was to verify if the consumption of different beverages (such as water, 100% pure fruit juice, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)) is associated with adolescents' sleep quality. French-speaking adolescents were recruited in person and online throughout the province of Québec (Canada) from the end of March to early July 2023. Beverage consumption and sleep quality were measured using French versions of validated questionnaires specifically designed for adolescents. A total of 218 adolescents (14-17 years; 55.5% female) completed the online survey. Among caffeinated SSBs, energy drink (rs = -0.16; p = 0.0197) and sugar-sweetened coffee (rs = -0.33; p < 0.0001) intake was correlated with adolescents' sleep quality. Energy drink consumption (ß = -0.0048; p = 0.0005) and being male (ß = 0.6033; p < 0.0001) were associated with adolescents' sleep quality. There was an interaction between sugar-sweetened coffee intake and biological sex that was associated with adolescents' sleep quality (p = 0.0053). Sugar-sweetened coffee consumption was correlated with adolescent girls' abilities to go to bed (rs = -0.21; p = 0.0203) and fall asleep (rs = -0.28; p = 0.0020), while in boys, it was only significantly correlated with their abilities to go to bed (rs = -0.27; p = 0.0069). Public health interventions aimed at adolescent boys should primarily target lowering energy drink consumption, while those aimed at girls should prioritize sugar-sweetened coffee intake to possibly improve their sleep quality.

Acute effects of commercial energy drink consumption on exercise performance and cardiovascular safety: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of a non-caloric energy drink (C4E) compared to a traditional sugar-containing energy drink (MED) and non-caloric placebo (PLA) on exercise performance and cardiovascular safety. Thirty healthy, physically active males (25 ± 4 y) completed three experimental visits under semi-fasted conditions (5-10 h) and in randomized order, during which they consumed C4E, MED, or PLA matched for volume, appearance, taste, and mouthfeel. One hour after drink consumption, participants completed a maximal, graded exercise test (GXT) with measurement of pulmonary gases, an isometric leg extension fatigue test (ISOFTG), and had their cardiac electrical activity (ECG), leg blood flow (LBF), and blood pressure (BP) measured throughout the visit. Neither MED nor C4E had an ergogenic effect on maximal oxygen consumption, time to exhaustion, or peak power during the GXT (p > 0.05). Compared to PLA, MED reduced fat oxidation (respiratory exchange ratio (RER) +0.030 ± 0.01; p = 0.026) during the GXT and did not influence ISOFTG performance. Compared to PLA, C4E did not alter RER (p = 0.94) and improved impulse during the ISOFTG (+0.658 ± 0.25 V·s; p = 0.032). Relative to MED, C4E did not significantly improve gas exchange threshold (p = 0.05-0.07). Both MED and C4E increased systolic BP at rest (+7.1 ± 1.2 mmHg; p < 0.001 and + 5.7 ± 1.0 mmHg; p < 0.001, respectively), C4E increased SBP post-GXT (+13.3 ± 3.8 mmHg; p < 0.001), and MED increased SBP during recovery (+3.2 ± 1.1 mmHg; p < 0.001). Neither MED nor C4E influenced ECG measures (p ≥ 0.08) or LBF (p = 0.37) compared to PLA. C4E may be more efficacious for improving performance in resistance-type tasks without altering fat oxidation under semi-fasted conditions during fatiguing exercise bouts, but promotes similar changes in BP and HR to MED.

Energy drink consumption and sleep parameters in college and university students: a national cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency of energy drink (ED) consumption, and the association between ED consumption and selected sleep characteristics and parameters in Norwegian college and university students. We also explored whether these associations varied based on sex. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Data were gathered from the SHOT2022 study (Students' Health and Well-being Study), a national survey. PARTICIPANTS: 53 266 students, aged 18-35 years, enrolled in higher education in Norway (2022). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Estimated marginal means were computed from general linear models investigating the association between ED consumption and continuous sleep outcomes, while log-link binomial regression analysis was used for dichotomous sleep outcomes of sleep measures. All models were adjusted for age. RESULTS: Among the participants, 4.7% of men and 3.3% of women reported consuming ED daily. The frequency of ED consumption was inversely associated with sleep duration and sleep efficiency, while a direct association was observed with the frequency of ED consumption and sleep patterns such as sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset across sexes. The strongest association was found between daily ED consumption and short sleep duration where men had a risk ratio (RR) of 2.07; 95% CI 1.77 to 2.42, and women had a RR of 1.87; 95% CI 1.64 to 2.14. CONCLUSION: ED consumption was a strong determinant for negative sleep outcomes. Even small amounts of ED were associated with poorer sleep outcomes, which warrant more attention towards the consequences of consuming ED among college and university students.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing via Fortnite streamers on Twitch: A content analysis.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage (hereafter: food) marketing is prevalent in digital media and predominantly for foods high in fats, salt and/or sugar (HFSS). However, little is known about food marketing in videogame livestreaming platforms - a hybridisation of social and gaming media where individuals can watch influencers (i.e., streamers) play videogames. No studies have explored food cues within the streamed content or content likely to be viewed by adolescents. The current study analysed the food cues in Twitch (the leading videogame livestreaming platform) videos (n = 52, 52h) uploaded to the platform during October 2020-September 2021 by influencers likely to be popular with adolescents. Food cues (n = 133, 2.56 per hour) were coded for exposure (e.g., display type, healthfulness) and power (e.g., presentation) using a World Health Organization (WHO) protocol and the UK Nutrient Profile Model. The majority (70.7%) of cues were HFSS, with energy drinks being the most featured food category (62.4%). Most cues were branded (80.5%) and featured as either product placement (44.4%) or a looping image (40.6%). Influencers were more likely to consume healthy (88.5%) than HFSS items (33.4%). The mean duration of each food cue was 20 min and 25 s per hour. Only 2.3% of cues had an advertising disclosure. This study provides the first empirical assessment of food cues on Twitch in livestreamed content likely to be popular with adolescents and has implications for digital food marketing policy development.

Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a systematic review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes.

OBJECTIVE: To update an earlier review, published in 2016, on the health and other outcomes associated with children and young people's consumption of energy drinks (EDs). STUDY DESIGN: Review article. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: Systematic searches of nine databases (ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, DARE, Embase, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science) retrieved original articles reporting the effects of EDs experienced by children and young people up to the age of 21 years. Searches were restricted by publication dates (January 2016 to July 2022) and language (English). Studies assessed as being weak were excluded from the review. Included studies underwent narrative synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 57 studies were included. Boys consumed EDs more than girls. Many studies reported a strong positive association between ED consumption and smoking, alcohol use, binge drinking, other substance use and the intentions to initiate these behaviours. Sensation-seeking and delinquent behaviours were positively associated with ED consumption, as were short sleep duration, poor sleep quality and low academic performance. Additional health effects noted in the updated review included increased risk of suicide, psychological distress, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, depressive and panic behaviours, allergic diseases, insulin resistance, dental caries and erosive tooth wear. CONCLUSIONS: This review adds to the growing evidence that ED consumption by children and young people is associated with numerous adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Where feasible and ethical, additional longitudinal studies are required to ascertain causality. The precautionary principle should be considered in regulatory policy and restriction of ED sales to this population. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021255484.

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.

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.

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.

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.