Energy drink mechanisms of harm in young people and adolescents: a narrative review

Alhumud, Manal, Moore, Simon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5495-4705 and Morgan, Kelly ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8685-1177 2020. Energy drink mechanisms of harm in young people and adolescents: a narrative review. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research 8 (1) , pp. 33-38. 10.12691/jfnr-8-1-5

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Abstract

Caffeinated energy drink (ED) consumption has grown rapidly worldwide, particularly among young people. This review considers whether the health outcomes associated with young people’s energy drink consumption are too narrowly focused on physiological mechanisms, and whether there is evidence to support the hypothesis that energy drink consumption incurs broader social costs. A narrative review of studies published between 1997 and 2017 was undertaken. The focus was the behavioural, physical and mental health outcomes associated with sugar (including glucose, sucrose and fructose) and caffeine, the two main ingredients of EDs. Possible causal mechanisms linking ingredient to outcome are discussed. The population of interest was children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years of age. A total of 33 studies were identified. ED consumption was found to be associated with health problems including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, headaches, sleep disorder, substance use, stress and hyperactivity however causal relationships could not be determined for all outcomes. The caffeine and sugar contained in EDs can promote adverse effects on children and adolescents. There is a weak evidence that these effects could extend beyond physical health to educational attainment, mental health and substance use. Increased awareness and further prospective studies are required.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Dentistry Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Publisher:	Vup Food Research Institute
ISSN:	1336-8672
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	17 April 2019
Date of Acceptance:	15 April 2019
Last Modified:	13 Nov 2024 01:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/121812

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