title: Consumption of Caffeinated Energy Drinks Among Youth and Young Adults in Canada.
abstract: The growing market for caffeinated energy drinks (CEDs) has caused concern about excessive caffeine intake and potential adverse effects, particularly among young people. The current study examined patterns of CED consumption among youth and young adults in Canada, using data from a national online survey conducted in October 2014. Data from a non-probability sample of 2040 respondents aged 12-24 from a consumer panel was weighted to national proportions; measures of CED consumption were estimated, including prevalence, excessive daily consumption, and context for use (locations and reasons). Separate logistic regression models for two outcomes, past-week consumption and "ever" exceeding two energy drinks in a day (as per common guidance), were conducted to examine associations with demographic variables (sex, age, geographic region, race/ethnicity, and language). Overall, 73.6% of respondents reported "ever" consuming energy drinks; 15.6% had done so in the past week. Any consumption of energy drinks in the past week was more prevalent among males, Aboriginal respondents (vs. white only or mixed/other), and residents of British Columbia. Among "ever-consumers," 16.0% reported ever consuming more than two energy drinks in a day. Exceeding two in a day was more prevalent among older respondents (young adults aged 18-24), aboriginal respondents (vs. white only), and British Columbia residents. While the majority of youth and young adults had consumed energy drinks, about half were "experimental" consumers (i.e., consumed ≤ 5 drinks in their lifetime). Approximately one in six consumers had exceeded the usual guidance for maximum daily consumption, potentially increasing their risk of experiencing adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
authors.forename: Cassondra
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McCrory
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
authors.forename: Christine M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Regulations and Standards Division, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Postal Locator 2202E, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9, Canada.
authors.forename: Chantal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martineau
authors.affiliation: Dietitians of Canada, 480 University Ave, Suite 604, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V2, Canada.
authors.forename: Pat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vanderkooy
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fenton
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hammond
keywords: Adolescents; CEDs, caffeinated energy drinks; Caffeine; Drinking behavior; Energy drinks; Health behavior; Youth