The much vaunted properties of energy drinks are well known thanks to convincing advertising and clever marketing, but a new report published in the journal Preventive Medicine indicates that consumption among teenagers may be linked with poor mental health and substance use.
As a result of their findings researchers are calling for limits on teen’s access to the drinks and reduction in the amount of the caffeine in each can.
The paper by researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University, Canada, found that high school students prone to depression as well as those who smoke marijuana or drink alcohol are also more likely to consume energy drinks than their peers.
“While it remains unclear why these associations exist, the trend is a concern because of the high rate of consumption among teenagers,” said Sunday Azagba lead author on the paper. “These drinks appeal to young people because of their temporary benefits like increased alertness, improved mood and enhanced mental and physical energy.”
Among the 8210 high school students surveyed, nearly two thirds reported using energy drinks at least once in the past year, with more than 20 percent consuming them once or more per month. Younger high school students were more likely to consume energy drinks than older ones.
“Marketing campaigns appear designed to entice youth and young adults,” said Azagba. “It’s a dangerous combination, especially for those at an increased risk for substance abuse.”
Energy drinks have been associated with a number of negative health effects, including cardiovascular symptoms, sleep impairment and nervousness and nausea, caused by the beverages’ high concentration of caffeine.
“Given the negative effects of excessive caffeine consumption as well as the coincident occurrence of the use of energy drinks and other negative behaviours in teens, the trends we are seeing are more than cause for concern,” said Azagba.
“In our opinion, at the very least steps should be taken to limit teens’ access to energy drinks, to increase public awareness and education about the potential harms of these drinks and to minimize the amount of caffeine available in each unit,” said Azagba.
“This won’t eliminate the problem entirely, but steps like these can help mitigate harm to our youth that appears to be associated with consumption of these drinks. This is something we need to take seriously. Change won’t happen without a concerted effort.”
Source: Preventive Medicine
Reblogged this on imborntotri and commented:
……… interesting read for you all.
These drinks are so dangerous. I had a colleague, 26 years old, relatively fit and healthy. He used to drink these daily. One day at work he suffered a mild heart attack and the doctors told him that a caffeine OD from these drinks was the cause, he was lucky to live. They are just not worth it. Nice post.
All the best,
Brett
Reblogged this on Karl O'Shaughnessy and commented:
Just a quick reblog below on a post from Human Kinetics on the serious dangers for young people on the consumption of energy drinks. It doesn’t specifically mention sports players but in my experience it’s clear that there’s many misconceptions amongst players I’ve coached as to the benefits of these in sporting terms.
I’m no sport scientist but I’m of the opinion that nothing can replace good nutrition & hydration. I’ve consumed my own fair share of energy drinks, on a regular basis at one stage but have since stopped. A small bit of reading & education like the post below made me rethink this behaviour. Drink with caution if you must but encourage proper hydration & nutrition amongst the young children you influence.
There are simply no quick fixes in life. My message – educate not over stimulate!
K.
I have tried an energy drink once years ago and it never did me any good. There was a sharp pain in my head and I could not relax myself to the point of almost palpitating. These days energy drinks have been mass produced and are available at every store. Almost everyday I see kids sipping energy drinks as if they are water. I just knew about the underlying damages after reading your post and we are on the same page here. Something needs to be done and as Dr.Seuss says: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Reblogged this on Physical Education, sport and nutrition..
Reblogged this on Knowledgeably Nutritious and commented:
Addictive & scary sometimes.