Understanding of health risks by the use of energy drinks among millennial generation of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Use of energy drink for quick resumption of energy level is very common these days. Aggressive marketing focus the youngsters as their main market segment. This study was designed to inquire about participants’ general awareness, consumption pattern and awareness of potential adverse effects associated with the use of energy drinks. Qualitative descriptive analysis was performed using a questionnaire comprising of 11 questions. Students were the main focus in this study. Questionnaire was circulated among 205 students of different schools, colleges, institutes and universities irrespective of their course of study and gender. A fairly high number (51%) of the participants regularly consume energy drinks, and majority of them (30%) take one drink per week. Most of the participants (92%) think that consuming high quantity of energy drinks may expose them severe health risk. A large number of participants were unaware and/or disagree with the risks that can be linked with the use (or overuse) of energy drinks. It is suggested to make strong regulations specifically for right ingredients composition and improve labeling requirements.