Weight loss, improvement of physical capacities, heart risks, addictions … A study takes stock of beliefs and the real impact of the consumption of energy drinks, often rich in caffeine, in adolescents and young adults.
- There is no scientific evidence to assert that energy drinks helps weight management.
- On the other hand, several studies show that high consumption increases cardiovascular risks.
- 41 % of French people who consume these energy drinks do this in connection with a sporting activity and 16 % in mixing with alcohol, two uses yet not recommended.
96 % of energy drinks on the French market have a common ingredient, caffeine, according to theNational Food, Environment and Work Health Safety Agency (ANSES). On average, they contain 174 milligrams (MG), which is more important than a cup of coffee, which generally has only 90 mg of this molecule. Due to this high caffeine content, energy drinks can therefore be dangerous for certain audiences, especially children, adolescents, young adults and pregnant women.
A high consumption of energy drinks among young people
At European level, 3 % of children and 8 % of adolescents consume energy drinks more than four to five times a week, according to handles. They would therefore be exposed to higher quantities of caffeine than the recommendations made by The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) In 2015. The body set the daily dose without risk at 3 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight for children and adolescents.
But if young people exceed these limits, is it really dangerous? In a study, published in the journal Nutrientsresearchers have made a meta-analysis of all existing work on children and adolescents and take stock of the beliefs and real impacts of these drinks on this audience.
Two beliefs are very widespread, especially among young people:
- Energy drinks help weight management. The authors answer that there is currently no scientific evidence of a slimming effect.
- Improvement of physical and cognitive performance. Yes and no answer the authors because, to obtain this result in young people, it is necessary to exceed 3 mg per kg, that is to say the limit set by EFSA. Below this quantity, the effects are low.
Cardiovascular problems and sleep disorders
On the other hand, certain harmful effects of these drinks have been proven by scientific research among young people. Sleep disorders first, especially when drinks are consumed late during the day.
Scientists also note greater risks of cardiovascular problems, such as tachycardia or palpitations, among regular consumers. Indeed, caffeine increases blood pressure and heart rate, which has an impact, even among young people under 25, underline the authors.
The main reason is that caffeine is metabolized more slowly in adolescents than in adults, so it has a stronger effect. Nevertheless, the authors reassure by stressing that the big heart problems only arrived with doses of caffeine greater than 200 mg per catch or 1600 mg per day.
Among other side effects, researchers note the presence of psychocompt or neurological problems – such as nervousness, anxiety or even irritability – in scientific literature. But on this subject, they did not find enough evidence to establish a link with certainty.
According to this study of ANSESaround 32 % of French people who consume these energy drinks do this on festive opportunities (bars, concerts, nightclubs, etc.), 41 % in connection with a sporting activity and 16 % in mixing with alcohol. These last two uses are however totally not recommended by the French authoritiesboth for young people and for adults and older people.
