Background
Growing numbers of children and young people report regular consumption of energy drinks (such as Red Bull), which typically contain high levels of sugar and caffeine in combination with other stimulants. There is emerging evidence of harmful physiological and psychological effects in adults, but little is known about the risks to children. This study set out to examine patterns of energy drink consumption by under 18 …
Significant developments have been made at the international level in the methodology for conducting dietary risk assessments. The existing chronic exposure assessment methodology has been updated so that it takes account of the level of residues to which consumers are most likely to be exposed. In addition, short-term exposure assessment methodology has also been developed. This uses portion size data and takes account of the variability in residue levels between individual units where this is appropriate to the way the commodity is consumed. Other refinements to the assessment can also be made. Although the short-term methodology has been used successfully by a number of regulatory authorities, there is a need for data on portion sizes and typical unit weights before it can be fully implemented internationally.
Background
Marketing of commercial energy drinks appears to target young people, although these drinks are generally not recommended for consumption by under 16s. Teachers in the UK have expressed growing concern about the effects on classroom behaviour, but little research has been conducted with school-age children. This study aimed to investigate children’s perceptions of energy drinks and what effects they are perceived to produce, …
Globally the energy drinks industry is thriving, with sales estimated to be over $12.5 billion in 2012. These drinks generally contain high levels of caffeine and sugar and are promoted as giving the consumer more 'energy' than other soft drinks. Around one in three young people under 18 report regular consumption of energy drinks, but little research has been undertaken with this population to explore their use of these drinks. This study aims to investigate what motivates children and young people to consume energy drinks and what effects they are perceived to produce, in order to inform the development of tailored resources and interventions.
Methods
Focus groups are underway with pupils (aged 10–11 and 13–14 years) from primary and secondary schools in North East England. Semi-structured interviews are also being undertaken with school staff and parents. All data are being transcribed verbatim and analysed using the constant comparative approach. Preliminary analyses and possible intervention options will be discussed with key stakeholders, including children and families, at one or more participatory workshops.
Results
To date, six focus groups with pupils (n = 27) and interviews with eight school staff have been conducted. Emerging themes include the role of branding and marketing on young people's choices, in addition to the influence of parents, siblings and peers. The data highlight similarities and differences between the children and young people's views and those of the adult participants, as well as gender and age differences amongst the young people. There is heterogeneity in the motivations, perceived benefits and risks, and the health and behavioural effects associated with energy drink consumption. Suggestions have been put forward by participants to address these issues, and subsequent discussions will consider how these might work, and for whom.
Discussion
Although data collection is ongoing, a number of important issues have already begun to emerge. These include the ease of access to energy drinks for under 18s, their awareness of the contents of these drinks, and the role of social norms in their decision to either consume or abstain. Given that this is the first in-depth UK-based study on this topic and, to our knowledge, the first study on energy drinks to involve younger children, we are confident that it will continue to generate findings of interest to diverse academic, practitioner and lay audiences.
Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that typically contain high levels of caffeine and sugar in combination with other stimulants. Growing numbers of young people report regular consumption of these drinks, which may lead to caffeine intoxication, sleep disruption, and hyperactivity. There are also likely health implications associated with excessive sugar intake, such as dental erosion and type 2 diabetes. This review set out to examine patterns of energy drink consumption by children and adolescents and any evidence of adverse effects.
Methods
A systematic review was conducted, employing an inclusive approach to identify quantitative and qualitative studies investigating the use of energy drinks by children and adolescents. Data sources included nine bibliographic databases, reference lists of relevant studies, and searches of the internet via Google. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the studies and abstracted data. Due to the heterogeneity of study designs, contexts and outcomes, the data have been descriptively summarised in a narrative synthesis.
Results
A total of 262 studies were located, with 37 meeting the inclusion criteria – 31 quantitative studies, four qualitative studies, and two literature reviews. The majority (n = 29) involved subjects aged 11–18 years, although analyses of poison centre data tended to include broader populations. Studies were largely conducted in North America (n = 18) or Europe (n = 10), yet all of the qualitative studies were from Australia or New Zealand. None of the included studies were from the UK. Two-thirds (n = 24) were cross-sectional surveys exploring i) consumption patterns, attitudes and reasons for energy drink use, or ii) associations with health-related behaviours or effects, including susceptibility to smoking and drug use, sleep problems, and diminished executive functions. A number of key themes emerged from the qualitative studies: the role of branding and advertising; taste as a motivating factor; peer influence; and perceived physiological effects, both negative and positive.
Conclusion
Energy drinks have no known therapeutic benefit and the evidence suggests that they may put some children at risk of adverse health effects. However, taste and youth-aimed marketing combine to ensure their popularity with young consumers. More research is needed to explore the short- and long-term effects of energy drink consumption by children and adolescents.
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