A survey of the consumption habits and adverse events related to hydration and energy drinks in high school and college students and the general public

Abstract

Introduction: the best drink for hydrating the body is water; however, there are other options with different ingredients that tend to be used for their flavor and composition, like hydration drinks (e.g., Gatorade) and energy drinks (EDs). Energy drinks are designed to improve psychomotor performance and increase alertness, with caffeine being the main component. Although hydration drinks are not usually associated with short-term adverse effects, prolonged use could have consequences. On the other hand, negative effects of ED consumption have been reported.

Method: a multiple-choice survey was conducted in which participants could choose among several drinks, selecting their preference. They were then asked about the possible adverse effects of their use.

Results: a multiple-choice survey of 430 people was conducted, 96.9% of whom were between the ages of 10 and 25. Out of the total, 52.3% drank hydration beverages or their variations, and 47.7% drank EDs. Adverse effects were found among those who consumed EDs, such as headache (24%), tachycardia (23%), insomnia (20%), jitters (12%) and irritability (8.7%), in higher proportion than among those who consumed hydrating drinks.

Conclusion: the use of EDs is associated with adverse cardiovascular and nervous system effects. Since caffeine is the most relevant common ingredient, these effects are presumed to be related to its pharmacological action.