Probl Hig Epidemiol 2018, 99(2): 140-145pl

Consumption of energy drinks by teenagers in Lublin Province

Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Anna Winiarska-Mieczan, Małgorzata Kwiecień, Renata Klebaniuk, Anna Danek-Majewska, Edyta Kowalczuk-Vasilev, Piotr Kwiatkowski

Instytut Żywienia Zwierząt i Bromatologii, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie

Summary
Introduction. Since the introduction of the first energy drink on the market, their popularity, assortment and availability are constantly increasing. This is particularly dangerous for young consumers who increasingly replace sleep with ´tinned energy´. The problem lies in not just the consumption of such drinks but also excessive amounts of the drinks consumed.
Aim. The determination of the reasons for consumption and frequency of energy drinks as well as the awareness of the risks posed by excessive consumption of such drinks.
Material & method. The survey was conducted between September and December 2015 among 540 inhabitants of the Lublin Province representing three age groups: 13-15, 16-18 and over 18 years. Each group comprised 180 randomly selected respondents.
Results. As many as 57% of the respondents declared that they consumed energy drinks. The teenagers aged 13-15 years accounted for as many as 18%, the students aged 16-18 years represented 18%, and the respondents over 18 years of age constituted 21%. As shown by the survey, 43% of the respondents did not consume this type of drinks. The most common reason for consumption of energy drinks given by the respondent group was the palatability (42%), whereas 30% mentioned a lifestyle associated with increased physical activity.
Conclusion. The respondents were not aware of their excessive consumption of energy drinks and the related risks. The respondents aged over 18 years consumed this type of energizers deliberately, whereas the teenagers of 13-18 years of age consumed the energy drinks spontaneously and unintentionally. The increase in the demand for energy drinks in the surveyed group was caused by a variety of factors, and a change in lifestyle to a more intense one was the main factor.

Key words:  energy drinks, hazards, benefits, teenagers