Consumption of energy drinks among Italian university students: a cross-sectional multicenter study

Background and Objective. Energy drinks (EDs) use is very popular, especially among youths. They usually contain caffeine, sugar, various additives and legal stimulants which can cause adverse effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of caffeinated EDs’ consumption in a large sample of Italian undergraduates and its association with some of lifestyle-related risk factors. Methods: Students attending twelve public Italian universities were involved. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, EDs use and on health-related behaviors of participants were collected by the use of a web-based questionnaire. Results: A total of 2,165 students (median age 22, 69.6% F) participated to the study and 15.2% of them reported the use of caffeinated EDs in the last six months. ED users showed a higher proportion of males (47.4 vs 27.4, p<0.001) and a higher father’s educational level (36.2 vs 27.0 graduated, p=0.003), came mainly from Northern universities (56.2 vs 46.3, p=0.004) and from degree courses in the life sciences area (76.9 vs 74.7, p<0.001), and lived in the university area. Besides, ED users reported higher median Body Mass Index values (22.1 vs 21.5, p=0.003), less particular dietary regimens (58.7% vs 59.6%), higher levels of weekly moderate-vigorous physical activity (180 vs 120 min/week, p<0.001) and participation in sport (52.6 vs 50.4, p<0.001) and in team sports (25.7 16.7, p=0.003), and higher proportion of smokers (43.5 vs 30.1, p<0.001) and alcohol drinkers (90.2 vs 84.0, p=0.005). In the regression analysis male gender, diet, geographical area, tobacco smoke and type of sport were found to be associated with ED consumption. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for increasing the awareness about the negative consequences of an excessive use of EDs among university students’, especially in the most interested subgroups.