Analyzing the composition of energy drinks and the effect that they can have on students

Abstract

Consumption of energy drinks by young people has been increased due to various reasons. The drinks have potentially harmful effects. The purpose was to examine the frequency of and reasons for energy drink consumption by medical students, subjectively assess health effects related to energy drinks, and analyze composition of energy drinks. 150 students of the Voronezh State Medical University named after N. N. Burdenko were interviewed to find out the effect produced by energy drinks on their performance, health and attitude to energy drinks using Google Forms. Methods of statistical analysis were utilized during the assessment. Four energy drink labels were selected and analyzed with their composition being described. Students’ health and adverse effects after consumption of the drinks underwent subjective assessment. 35% of those interviewed believe that energy drinks are effective. 70% of the students report increased performance after consumption of the drinks. However, 55% of them develop adverse effects such as tremor of the extremities (11.3%), increased excitability (20%), increased blood pressure (23.3%), heart arrhythmia (26%), allergic reactions (4%), and loss of consciousness (2%). A safe amount to be consumed (250 ml) is recommended after the analysis, whereas 60% of the respondents consume 450 ml. Every year energy drinks are gaining more and more popularity among young people. The found adverse effects of energy drinks require subsequent and a more elaborated examination.