Knowledge, Consumption Pattern, and Adverse Effects of Energy Drinks among Asian Population: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from Malaysia

Abstract

Background. The frequent expansion of the energy drinks (EDs) market has caused an extensive increase in the consumption of EDs, especially among younger populations. However, the lack of knowledge on EDs and their perceived beneficial effects could lead to excessive EDs consumption, which is strongly associated with serious side effects. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceived beneficial effects of EDs consumers and determine the consumption patterns and side effects experienced by different EDs consumers among the Malaysian population. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Malaysia from February to April 2021. A structured and validated questionnaire, consisting of 5 sections with 46 items, was distributed online. Only 515 out of 591 invited participants agreed to participate in the study. Descriptive and inferential analysis were done using SPSS. Results. The median age of participants was 23 ± 7.3 years. The majority of participants (65%) were unaware of the active ingredients of EDs, and approximately 40% of them had no idea that EDs contain caffeine. The main reason for consuming EDs was to stay awake (43%), and Red Bull was the most preferred brand (57%). Lack of rest (57%), headache (53%), and nervousness (49%) were the most experienced side effects. A significant difference was observed between consumption patterns and knowledge and perceived beneficial effects ( p < 0.05 ). Our data showed a significant association between respondents’ demographic data (e.g., coffee intake, smoking, and alcohol status) and their consumption pattern. Conclusion. ED consumers in Malaysia were found to have limited knowledge on EDs. Therefore, attention should be drawn to the Ministry of Health regarding the significant side effects such as palpitation and nervousness experienced by ED consumers. Hence, awareness ought to be raised by adopting regulations or policies to regulate the sales and warning labels of EDs in Malaysia.

Korean nurses' energy drink consumption and associated factors

“…According to the results of this study, compared with nurses who did not consume energy drinks, nurses who consumed energy drinks tended to believe that “Energy drinks have an arousal effect” and “Energy drinks can replace coffee or soda.” These perceptions are consistent with the results showing the time of energy drink intake; notably, the nurses regularly consumed energy drinks that are similar to other beverages, such as coffee or soda, to study or work late at night. The results of this study are in agreement with those of the previous studies reporting energy drink consumption for fatigue reduction and maintenance of concentration and wakefulness (Bulut et al, 2014; Mohammed et al, 2022; Rooyen et al, 2021; Subaiea et al, 2019). Therefore, follow‐up research is necessary to investigate the reasons for a more positive perception of energy drinks, such as wakefulness and a reduction in fatigue, rather than a negative perception, such as palpitations and sleep disturbances.…”

“…Previous studies have reported that the proportion of nurses who consume energy drinks in the United States is 22.5% (Higbee et al, 2020), and 18.2% of Saudi adolescents and adults consume energy drinks each day (Subaiea et al, 2019). Another previous study from Malaysia showed that approximately 50% of the subjects consumed coffee in addition to energy drinks (Mohammed et al, 2022). Consuming coffee and tea in addition to energy drinks can lead to excessive caffeine intake.…”

“…Shift‐working nurses and prehospital emergency care personnel have a habit of consuming stimulant products such as caffeinated beverages (coffee and/or tea), energy drinks, and energy‐enhancing tablets to maintain arousal or enhance physical and mental performance (Pepłońska et al, 2019; Rooyen et al, 2021). There is a known tendency to consume energy drinks among individuals who have a low level of knowledge on energy drinks, who are oblivious to the risks of energy drinks, who do not perceive the threat of energy drinks to health, who perceive energy drink intake as highly beneficial, who perceive energy drink intake as having minimal harmful effects, and who least intend to discontinue energy drink intake (Ha et al, 2017; Mohammed et al, 2022; Subaiea et al, 2019).…”

A cross-sectional study: caffeine consumption and their perception among pharmacy students

“…According to Rakuten Insight's poll of 9340 participants, almost 50% of Malaysian respondents aged 25 to 34 years old consume energy-boosting drinks with high caffeine content. 4 Pharmacy students are one of the tough courses that have a packed schedule with assignments, exams, and socializing. 5 To be able to stay energetic throughout the day, caffeine becomes a part of the student's lives.…”

The Impact of Promotional Activities on the Purchase and Repurchase Intention of Energy Drinks in Yemen Under Different Levels of Awareness of the Potential Adverse Effects

“…Kim et al (2018) also recommend that college students be taught the potential health risks of EDs. Mohammed et al (2022) concluded that ED consumers did not know much about them. As a result, the Ministry of Health should pay attention to the major side effects that ED consumers experience, such as palpitations and nervousness, and raise awareness about them.…”