Sports and Energy Drink Intake Lead to Higher Sugar Consumption and Unhealthy Behaviors in Teens

In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, regular consumption of sports and energy drinks by teens leads to more sugary drink intake overall, increased tobacco use, and more sedentary behavior.

The study set out to examine the patterns of adolescent sports and energy drink (SED) consumption and identify any behaviors that associate with these patterns. Over 2,500 students participated (53% girls) across 20 middle and high schools in the Minneapolis/St Paul, MN area. The students were surveyed on their beverage patterns, breakfast frequency, physical activity, media use, sleep, and cigarette smoking.

The results revealed that over a third of the teens consumed sports drinks, while 14.7% consumed at least one energy drink per week. All of the SED consumption were relateed to higher video game use; sugar-sweetened beverage and fruit juice intake; and smoking. However, SED conumption were also significantly related to higher moderate-to-vigorous physical activities among these teens playing organized sports.

The recommendation will always be to reduce sports and energy drinks consumption because of its increased sugar, but also due to its unhealthy associating behaviors. Consumption should only be necessary after vigrorous prolonged activity.