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Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a systematic review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Shelina Visram

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

Objective: To update an earlier review, published in 2016, on the health and other outcomes associated with children and young people's consumption of energy drinks (EDs). Study design: Review article. Systematic review: Systematic searches of nine databases (ASSIA, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, DARE, Embase, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science) retrieved original articles reporting the effects of EDs experienced by children and young people up to the age of 21 years. Searches were restricted by publication dates (January 2016 to July 2022) and language (English). Studies assessed as being weak were excluded from the review. Included studies underwent narrative synthesis. Results: A total of 57 studies were included. Boys consumed EDs more than girls. Many studies reported a strong positive association between ED consumption and smoking, alcohol use, binge drinking, other substance use and the intentions to initiate these behaviours. Sensation-seeking and delinquent behaviours were positively associated with ED consumption, as were short sleep duration, poor sleep quality and low academic performance. Additional health effects noted in the updated review included increased risk of suicide, psychological distress, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, depressive and panic behaviours, allergic diseases, insulin resistance, dental caries and erosive tooth wear. Conclusions: This review adds to the growing evidence that ED consumption by children and young people is associated with numerous adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Where feasible and ethical, additional longitudinal studies are required to ascertain causality. The precautionary principle should be considered in regulatory policy and restriction of ED sales to this population. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021255484.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Ajibo C, Van Griethuysen A, Visram S, Lake AA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Public Health

Year: 2024

Volume: 227

Pages: 274-281

Print publication date: 15/02/2024

Online publication date: 15/01/2024

Acceptance date: 21/08/2023

Date deposited: 29/08/2023

ISSN (print): 0033-3506

ISSN (electronic): 1476-5616

Publisher: Elsevier

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2023.08.024

DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.08.024

ePrints DOI: 10.57711/wfga-6b86


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