The use of energy drinks by students and non-students is very common. A recent study found that 42.9% of undergraduate students use them. Energy drinks often contain caffeine, amino acids, sugar, and other ingredients. The caffeine amount can be much higher than coffee, and the sugar amount can include a concentration higher than soft drinks.
The obvious side effects of the regular use of energy drinks are insomnia, increased heart rate or blood pressure, digestive upset, agitation, and other signs and symptoms.
Moreover, a recent study published in the journal Nutrition found that energy drinks used by university students were associated with increased use of alcohol and smoking. The takeaway of this research is that one bad habit can make you prone to another.
The limited use of coffee and a diet balanced in protein, fats, and carbohydrates are the long-term nutritional keys to good energy and focus. We also have patients use products like our Memory Wellness and Fish Oil Plus to support healthy brain function.
Of course, there is no substitution for good organization and time management for our college students!
Dr. Mark Stengler NMD, MS, is a bestselling author in private practice in Encinitas, California, at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. His newsletter, Dr. Stengler’s Health Breakthroughs, is available at www.markstengler.com and his product line at www.drstengler.com
Protano, C., Valeriani, F., De Giorgi, A., Marotta, D., Ubaldi, F., Napoli, C., Liguori, G., Romano Spica, V., Vitali, M., & Gallè, F. (2023). Consumption patterns of energy drinks in university students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition, 107, 111904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2022.111904
