Authors:
Trapp GSA, Allen KL, O'Sullivan T, Robinson M, Jacoby P, Oddy WH
Authors notes:
Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2013:online
Keywords:
Adolescent health, Caffeine, Energy drinks, Raine Study, Stimulants
Abstract:
Energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular among young people.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of energy drink consumption and its associations with socio-demographic characteristics, alcohol, cigarette and illicit drug use in a population-based sample of young adults participating in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study.
Overall, 48% of participants consumed energy drinks at least once per month, with an average intake of 1.31 ± 0.75 cans per day amongst energy drink users.
The most significant correlates of energy drink use were being in part-time or full-time employment, being male, being a cigarette smoker, having heavier alcoholic spirit consumption patterns and being an ecstasy user.
No significant associations were observed with BMI or dietary intake.
Australian energy drink users tend to have heavier alcohol consumption patterns be a cigarette smoker and use illicit drugs relative to non-users.
More research is needed regarding the health risks associated with energy drink use in young adults, including their possible role in the development of substance abuse problems.