Mathias Lasgaard

Background
Energy drinks are beverages that are characterized by the addition of various energy-enhancing ingredients and are marketed to boost energy, decrease feelings of tiredness and enhance mental alertness and concentration. In many countries, the rapid expansion of energy drink consumption has been one of the most notable trends in the soft drinks market and health authorities have expressed concern regarding the potential health effects of energy drink consumption. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of energy drink consumption and examine the associations of socio-demographic factors and health behaviour with energy drink consumption among young adults (16-24 years) in Denmark.

Methods
The study is based on a public health survey from 2010 (n = 3923). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the association between weekly consumption of energy drink and the potential explanatory factors of interest.

Results
In total, 15.8 % of the young adults drink energy drinks on a weekly basis. Men have higher odds of weekly energy drink consumption than women. The study also shows that young age, being employed and having a low educational level are associated with weekly energy drink consumption. According to health behaviour, daily smoking, high amounts of alcohol consumption, alcoholic binge drinking and being overweight are associated with weekly energy drink consumption.

Conclusion
Compared with other European countries the prevalence of energy drink consumption is relatively low in Denmark. Energy drink consumption is typically a male phenomenon and there is a clear social gradient in the prevalence of energy drink consumption where the intake is most common among people with low levels of education. This study also shows that there is some kind of ‘add on' effect of energy drinks, meaning that people who also use other stimulants - such as alcohol and cigarettes - are more inclined to consume energy drinks.