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Background Frequent consumption of Energy Drinks (EDs) is associated with numerous health problems, including overweight and obesity, particularly among children and adolescents. The extensive promotion, wide accessibility, and relatively low cost of EDs have significantly increased their popularity among this age group. This paper examines policies/programs that, directly and indirectly, contribute to reducing ED consumption in children and adolescents and shares global experiences to help policymakers adopt evidence-based policies. Methods A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to June 2024, along with reputable international organization websites, to find literature on policies aimed at reducing ED consumption among children and adolescents. All sources meeting the inclusion criteria were included without restrictions. Titles and abstracts were initially screened, followed by a full-text review. After evaluating the quality of the selected studies, data were extracted and, along with information from the selected documents, compiled into a table, detailing the country, policy type, and the effectiveness and weaknesses of each policy. Results Out of 12166 reviewed studies and documents, 84 studies and 70 documents met the inclusion criteria. 73 countries and territories have implemented policies like taxation, sales bans, school bans, labeling, and marketing restrictions on EDs. Most employ fiscal measures, reducing consumption despite enforcement challenges. Labeling, access restrictions, and marketing bans are common but face issues like black markets. Conclusion This scoping review outlines diverse strategies adopted by countries to reduce ED consumption among children and teenagers, such as taxation, school bans, sales restrictions, and labeling requirements. While heightened awareness of ED harms has reinforced policy efforts, many Asian and African nations lack such measures, some policies remain outdated for over a decade, and existing policies face several challenges. These challenges encompass industry resistance, governmental disagreements, public opposition, economic considerations, and the intricacies of policy design. Considering this, countries should tailor policies to their cultural and social contexts, taking into account each policy's strengths and weaknesses to avoid loopholes. Inter-sectoral cooperation, ongoing policy monitoring, updates, and public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness and ensure effective implementation.

Background Caffeine containing energy drinks (EDs) are heavily consumed, particularly among young adults. The number of reports of caffeine intoxication from caffeinated EDs and problems related to caffeine dependence and withdrawal is increasing. The objective was to assess the knowledge and perceived beneficial effects of EDs consumers, to assess consumption patterns and determine the adverse effects experienced by different EDs consumer groups residing in Saudi Arabia. Methods An observational cross-sectional study with data from a randomly selected Saudi population was conducted during the period of January 15th, 2015, to April 15th, 2015, using a pre-tested 43-item questionnaire. The data were obtained and collected using interview questionnaires. Sociodemographic characteristics and data on EDs consumption patterns, the level of awareness among study subjects, and the purported benefits and reported adverse effects of EDs were collected. Frequency, percentage, and arithmetic means were calculated using Chi-square and ANOVA tests, and data with p  < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Of the 816 individuals invited to participate in the study, 783 participants responded and completed interviews, response rate was 96%. Consumers attributed the popularity of EDs to massive advertising media (46.7%) and their stimulating and invigorating effects (37.5%). EDs are consumed by subjects for their effects on fatigue reduction (64.6%), increased alertness and focus (75.8%), and assistance during long driving trips (75.7%). Study subjects reported suffering from adverse effects, including mainly diuresis (53.7%), palpitations (50.7%), insomnia (50.7%). Importantly, an inverse association was identified between knowledge of EDs and consumption rate, and a proportional association was identified between experienced adverse effects and consumption frequency. Lower knowledge scores were identified in daily consumers than in 1–3 times monthly consumers; higher adverse events were experienced by daily consumers than by 1–3 times monthly consumers. The majority of consumers (84.6%) recommended that authorities should regulate EDs consumption. Conclusions Excessive EDs consumption is associated with an increased risk of experiencing several adverse events, which is commensurate with published studies. Increasing knowledge about EDs and their possible risks could decrease their consumption by the general public.

Background/Objectives: The high consumption rate of energy drinks among pupils is a serious public health concern in various countries, including South Africa. Excessive consumption of energy drinks that contain elevated caffeine and sugar levels has the potential to lead to the development of addictions, strokes, dehydration, sleeping disorders, mental health and central nervous disorders, hypertension, digestive problems, and anxiety. Most pupils regard energy drinks as regular soft drinks and lack knowledge of the active ingredients contained in energy drinks and their side effects. The objective of this study was to investigate factors influencing energy drink usage amongst pupils in the Mahikeng sub-district, Northwest Province. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 505 pupils in the Mahikeng sub-district, Northwest, using self-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using STATA software version 18 to examine associations between variables. Results: The energy drinks consumed most by pupils were Dragon (38.21%), Switch (28.97%), and Red Bull (14.62%). Factors and reasons influencing energy drink usage among pupils include all-night parties (3.1%), concentration (20.3%), being awake (43.1%), curiosity (2.2%), energy levels (23.1%), exams (13.8%), sports (8.7%), fatigue (6.9%), and health (2.3%). There was a strong association (p ≤ 0.05) between energy drink usage and sports activities amongst pupils. Conclusions: It is concluded that health education and promotion intervention programmes are required to educate pupils about the dangers of energy drink usage to prevent public health risks. Further studies, including research on primary school pupils, are necessary, considering that a substantial number of pupils were exposed to energy drinks at an early age.

Background: Energy drinks are one of the most popular packaged beverage products consumed within the United States (US). Energy drinks are considered a functional beverage, a category that also includes sports drinks and nutraceutical beverages. Purpose: The focus of the current study was to examine the nutrition fact panels of the top selling commercially available energy drink and energy shot products within the US to characterize common ingredient profiles to help establish a standard definition and ingredient profile of energy drinks and energy shots for consumers, health care practitioners, and researchers. Methods: The top 75 commercially available energy drinks and shots were identified and compiled from multiple commercial retail websites as of September 2021. For the purpose of this study, an energy drink must have met the following criteria: (A) marketed as an energy drink; (B) purported to improve energy, focus, or alertness; (C) not sold as a dietary supplement (no supplement fact panels); (D) manufactured as a pre-packaged and ready-to-drink beverage; and (E) contains at least three of (1) caffeine, (2) B-vitamins, (3) sugar, (4) taurine, (5) creatine, (6) quercetin, (7) guarana, (8) ginseng, (9) coenzyme Q10, or (10) branched chain amino acids. Energy shots must have met similar criteria to be included: (A) marketed as an energy shot; (B) purported to improve energy, focus, or alertness; (C) sold as a dietary supplement; (D) manufactured as a pre-packaged beverage with a small volume (<3.5 mL); and (E) contains at least three of the ingredients stated above. Results: Twenty energy shots and fifty-five energy drinks were included in this analysis. The number of ingredients per product (mean ± SD) was 18.2 ± 5.7, with 15 products containing proprietary blends with undisclosed ingredient amounts. The relative prevalence and average amounts of the top ingredients were as follows: caffeine (100%; 174.4 ± 81.1 mg), vitamin B6 (72%; 366.9 ± 648.1 percent daily value (%DV)), vitamin B3 (67%; 121.44 ± 69.9% DV), vitamin B12 (67%; 5244.5 ± 10,474.6% DV), vitamin B5 (37.3%; 113.6 ± 76.6% DV), and taurine (37.3%; amounts undisclosed). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a high prevalence of caffeine and B-vitamins in these energy products, with many of the formulations containing well above the recommended daily value of B-vitamins.

•University students commonly use energy drinks for study or sports aims•Adverse effects, mainly sleep and cardiovascular disorders, are reported in relation to energy drink consumption•The consumption of energy drinks is strongly related with alcohol, tobacco, and drug use•High-risk groups of energy drink consumers should be identified early to prevent associated health outcomes Energy drink (ED) use is promoted to stimulate mental and/or physical activity, and their popularity has increased over the years, especially among young people. However, the use of EDs is often improper, and can induce adverse effects for human health. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the literature to characterize the prevalence of ED consumption and motivations for use among undergraduate students. Furthermore, adverse effects and health-related behaviors associated with ED consumption were explored. This systematic review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, and the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used for data research. A total of 71 articles published between 2007 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The estimated overall prevalence of ED consumption was 42.9% in undergraduate students (95% confidence interval, 42.5%–43.3%), with significant heterogeneity among studies (Q test: P < 0.001; I2 = 99.4%). The main reasons for use were engagement in study, projects or examinations, stay awake or alert, and physical activity/sport engagement. Sleep disturbance and increased heart rate or blood pressure were the most commonly reported adverse effects. ED consumption was frequently associated with alcohol use and smoking. These findings suggest that the inappropriate use of EDs and related unhealthy behaviors should be identified early, and addressed through effective educational interventions.

Coffee, tea, caffeinated soda, and energy drinks are important sources of caffeine in the diet but each present with other unique nutritional properties. We review how our increased knowledge and concern with regard to caffeine in the diet and its impact on human health has been translated into food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG). Using the Food and Agriculture Organization list of 90 countries with FBDG as a starting point, we found reference to caffeine or caffeine-containing beverages (CCB) in 81 FBDG and CCB consumption data (volume sales) for 56 of these countries. Tea and soda are the leading CCB sold in African and Asian/Pacific countries while coffee and soda are preferred in Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Key themes observed across FBDG include (i) caffeine-intake upper limits to avoid risks, (ii) CCB as replacements for plain water, (iii) CCB as added-sugar sources, and (iv) health benefits of CCB consumption. In summary, FBDG provide an unfavorable view of CCB by noting their potential adverse/unknown effects on special populations and their high sugar content, as well as their diuretic, psycho-stimulating, and nutrient inhibitory properties. Few FBDG balanced these messages with recent data supporting potential benefits of specific beverage types.

Background: From 1 January 2024, Poland legally banned the sale of energy drinks (EDs) containing caffeine and taurine to minors under 18. EDs are rich in stimulants, making them particularly popular among adolescents and young adults seeking energy boosts. Their consumption is associated with adverse health effects and engagement in risky behaviors. This descriptive snapshot study explores energy drink consumption, motivations, and risk perception among Polish adults. Methods: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey (N = 1121) was conducted over a three-day period using the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method. The sample was representative of the adult Polish population in terms of gender, age, and geographical location. Data collection occurred 14 months after the implementation of legal restrictions on ED sales to minors. Results: Among 1121 adults (54.3% female), 15.1% reported weekly ED consumption, 9.7% monthly, 13.3% less than monthly, and 62.0% never. Younger age (p < 0.05), male gender (aOR = 1.63 [1.25–2.13]; p < 0.001), and active occupational status (aOR = 1.63 [1.19–2.24]; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with ED use. Overall, 83.0% of respondents perceived EDs as harmful, and 87.2% supported the sales ban to minors, although only 45.6% considered the ban effective. Additionally, 31.8% had observed minors consuming EDs in the past 30 days. Sociodemographic characteristics were associated with risk perception and support for regulation: women (aOR = 1.50), individuals with higher education (aOR = 1.44), and those with good financial status (aOR = 2.35) were more likely to perceive EDs as harmful and endorse regulatory measures. Conclusions: Educational interventions should prioritize young adults, particularly males, who constitute the primary consumers. There is also a need to enhance enforcement mechanisms to limit minors’ access to energy drinks and curb their marketing and availability, thereby improving public health protection.

Binge drinking in college students is widespread and known to cause significant harms and health hazards for the drinker. One factor that may be exacerbating hazardous drinking in young people is the new popular trend of consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED). However, rates of AmED use and motivations for AmED consumption in college students have not been well established. In this study, 706 undergraduate college students from a university in the United States participated in a web-based survey that queried self-reported alcohol, energy drink, and AmED use. In addition, motivations for using AmEDs were assessed. The results indicated that for all participants, 81% reported that they have tried at least one energy drink in the past and 36% reported consumption of at least one energy drink in the past 2 weeks. Alcohol consumption patterns were similar to findings from U.S. national surveys of college drinking, as 37% of respondents were classified as binge drinkers and 23% abstained from drinking. In the whole sample (including the alcohol abstainers), 44% reported trying AmED at least once and 9% reported AmED consumption at least once in the past 2 weeks. 78% of respondents agreed with the statement that AmEDs appeal to underage drinkers. When AmED users were asked about various motivations for consuming AmEDs, users reported that they consumed these beverages to get drunk and reduce sedation compared to alcohol alone. In conclusion, the consumption of AmEDs is common in U.S. college students. Motivations for using AmEDs include the reduction of the sedative effects of alcohol, an important interoceptive cue that one should stop drinking.

Energy drinks are rapidly gaining prominence in the global beverage industry, with projected sales reaching $60 billion within the next five years. These beverages often contain high levels of caffeine and the amino acid taurine, among other ingredients. The increasing consumption of energy drinks by children has sparked concerns regarding potential caffeine toxicity. In the present study, an energy drink was administrated at doses of 5 ml/Kg or 10 ml/Kg body weight. The comet assay demonstrated a significant elevation in DNA damage, evidenced by increased % DNA in tail and olive tail moment in the energy drink groups. Additionally, there were notable elevation in malondialdehyde levels as an oxidative stress marker, while reduction in superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels as antioxidant markers in energy drink groups. Furthermore, acetylcholinesterase activity and dopamine levels were significantly decrease in the energy drink groups compared to the control group. The high-dose groups exhibited a more pronounced effect than the low-dose groups, indicating a dose-dependent adverse effect.

Background: In Poland, the consumption of energy drinks among young people has changed significantly following the introduction of a ban on sales to minors. This regulatory measure was intended to address growing concerns about the health effects of high caffeine consumption among teenagers. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency, preferences, and determinants of energy drink consumption among Polish adolescents aged 15–17 years, following the introduction of the legal ban on the sale of energy drinks to minors. Methods: The study was conducted in Poland in 2024, following the introduction of a law prohibiting the sale of energy drinks to minors. The study group consisted of 999 high school students aged 15–17 who completed an anonymous, author-designed survey. Data were then collected and analyzed for descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests were used for categorical variables, Mann–Whitney U tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests for group comparisons, and Spearman’s rank correlation for ordinal data. Results: In total, 52% of respondents declared that they consume energy drinks, and 68% reported a reduced intake after the introduction of the regulations prohibiting sales to minors. These drinks are more frequently consumed by males. Additionally, age and frequency of consumption were positively correlated. The factors most often influencing the choice of energy drinks were price, taste, package size, caffeine content, composition, and recommendations from friends. Conclusions: Although a large percentage of minors still consume energy drinks, the new regulations have had an impact on reducing their intake.