Epidemiologic aspects of energy drink intake in Russian Federation
AbstractArticle examines the impact of «energy» drinks that have become so popular in recent decades on people. As a research tool a short structured questionnaire was used. It included questions about whether the respondent used «energy» drinks and, if yes, how often; whether he/she had an experience of using it with alcohol; if one is informed about the affect of substances that are included in the drink on the organism; reason of using; the reason of debut consumption; primary feeling during and after consumption; primary feeling after taking a large dose of «energy» drink. Each respondent also pointed out sex and noted whether he/she wanted to learn more about «energy» drinks and effects of their use on the organism. Within 3 years of study 1377 people (682 men and 695 women) aged 12 to 42 were surveyed. The results showed that 89,0% of respondents consumed energy drinks in some to some degree, and from these 7,4% used it constantly (at least 1 can a day). 24,0% of respondents had an experience of taking «energy» drinks with alcohol. With that, the number of men who used «energy» drinks with alcohol, prevails over the same number of women: 60,3% (n=199) and 39,7% (n=131), respectively (p=0,003). Relationship between age of respondents and features of using as well as effects of «energy drinks» was also statistically proven. The elder the group is the less is the number of responders who drinks energetics constantly (Rs=-0,88, p<0,001), who knows about the affect of caffeine and other substances on the organism (Rs=-0,93, p<0,001), who drinks energetics forced by desire to get new feelings (Rs=-0,78, p<0,001), exams (Rs=-0,73, p<0,001), who feels fatigue (Rs=-0,79, p<0,001), and get headache (Rs=-0,8, p<0,001), the more is the number of responders who noticed that the primal feeling after energetics drinking was rising of working efficiency (Rs=0,76, p<0,001) and excessive motional activity (Rs=0,59, p=0,01). Basing on the data obtained basic principles of reducing the rate of use of energy drinks program were developed.
Keywords:energy drinks, caffeine, dependence from energy