Energy drink consumption among 12- to 17-year-olds in Germany – Results of EsKiMo II

Abstract

Energy drinks are soft drinks that usually contain a large content of caffeine and sugar. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to side effects such as nausea and anxiety. Up to three milligrams of caffeine per kilogram of body weight per day is considered safe for children and young people. The second Eating study as a KiGGS Module (EsKiMo II, 2015–2017) collected nationwide representative data about children’s and adolescents’ dietary behaviour. To collect food intake data from 12- to 17-year-olds (n=1,353), a dietary history interview was used. 8.9% of the girls and boys stated that they had consumed energy drinks during the four-week reference period, with nearly a quarter of these individuals (n=99) exceeding the limit of safe caffeine intake solely through their consumption of energy drinks. This corresponds to 2.2% of the 12- to 17-year-olds in Germany. In addition to a general warning about the high levels of sugar present in sugary drinks, awareness also needs to be raised among young people about the dangers of excessive caffeine intake resulting from the consumption of energy drinks. Regulations governing sales and advertising should also be considered.