The use of energy drinks in adolescents: a risky behaviour

Abstract

Objective: to identify the knowledge, perceptions and risks associated with the use of energy drinks (EDs) in adolescents. Methods: the following databases were consulted for this narrative review: Pubmed, Cinahl, Cuiden Plus and Scopus. Free and controlled language was used (MeSH). There were limitations in terms of language (English and Spanish), the last five years of publication (2014-2019) and adolescents (10-to-19 years old). Results: twenty-six (26) articles were selected out of 702; 82.6% of these had a quantitative approach, the majority were descriptive cross-sectional studies (57.6%). Findings were classified into “knowledge and perceptions by users”, “influence in rest and modo” and “substance abuse” The use of EDs was perceived as a typically male behaviour, not healthy, and for sports activities in general; besides, it was associated with physical activity, violent behaviours, worse performance and academic failure, emotional problems, sleep pattern problems, hyperactivity, reckless driving, substance abuse, and alcohol dependency. Conclusions: lack of information and aggressive marketing campaigns encourage the abuse of energy drinks, which leads to a higher risk of substance abuse. Preparing preventive programs and updating the current ones, as well as nutritional advice and education for health, could be essential in order to solve this problem. Keywords: