Use of energy drinks among adolescents

Tržište energetskih napitaka strahovito se razvilo od pojavljivanja Red Bull-a u Austriji 1987. i u Sjedinjenim Državama 1997. Energetski napitci svrstavaju se u bezalkoholna pića sa stimulirajućim učinkom. Postoje različite kombinacije sastojaka uključujući kofein, taurin, vitamine, glukuronolakton, arome, bojila i druge aditive. Zbog visoke koncentracije kofeina, pojedinci mogu nenamjerno konzumirati toksične doze i pretrpjeti značajne štetne učinke. Proizvođačima energetskih napitaka, ciljana skupina su upravo mladi ljudi stoga je cilj ovog rada utvrditi znanje, stavove te učestalost konzumacije energetskih napitaka među adolescentima na području Republike Hrvatske. Istraživanje je provedeno putem anketnog upitnika u trajanju od dva mjeseca te je sudjelovalo 526 adolescenata. Statistička analiza podataka pokazala je da 282 (53,6%) ispitanika konzumira energetske napitke te više adolescentica smatra kako je dostupnost energetskih napitaka u Hrvatskoj neispravna. Konzumenti energetskih napitaka pokazali su lošije prehrambene navike za razliku od ispitanika koji ne konzumiraju energetske napitke. Edukacija mladih ljudi je potrebna kako bi se u budućnosti smanjila konzumacija energetskih napitaka i njihovih potencijalnih štetnih učinaka.The market for energy drinks has developed tremendously since the appearance of Red Bull in Austria in 1987 and in the United States in 1997. Energy drinks are classified as non-alcoholic beverages with a stimulating effect. There are various combinations of ingredients including caffeine, taurine, vitamins, glucuronolactone, flavors, colors, and other additives. Due to the high concentration of caffeine, individuals may inadvertently consume toxic doses and suffer significant adverse effects. For the manufacturers of energy drinks, the target group is precisely young people, therefore this paper studied the knowledge, attitudes, and frequency of consumption of energy drinks among adolescents in the Republic of Croatia. The research was conducted through a questionnaire lasting two months and 526 adolescents participated. Statistical analysis of the data showed that 282 (53.6%) of the respondents consume energy drinks, and more females believe that the availability of energy drinks in Croatia is incorrect. Consumers of energy drinks showed worse eating habits in contrast to respondents who do not consume energy drinks. Education of young people is necessary in order to reduce the consumption of energy drinks and their potentiallyl harmful effects in the future