Background. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has identified some risk factors for the occurrence of side effects linked to energy drinks (EDs) consumption by young people. EDs consumption has been evaluated in a sample of students in Italy together with some aspects of their lifestyle. Methods. The survey was performed in two high schools from September 2016 to June 2017. 583 students between 14 to 18 years were recruited and a standard questionnaire (EFSA checklist) was used to collect information on responders characteristics, beverages consumption, EDs with alcohol, and EDs and sports. Results. Despite 350 out of 583 responders (60%) consumed EDs, only 146 out of 583 (25%) were EDsalcohol consumers. Moreover, 208 out of 379 (55%) of all physically active adolescents reported frequent EDs consumption before sport trainings. Conclusions. Study results highlight the need for primary prevention measures in communication campaigns and training delivered by school to limit potential health threats related to excess of EDs consumption.
Obiettivi. L'Autorità Europea della Sicurezza Alimentare (EFSA) ha identificato alcuni effetti avversi legati al consumo di energy drinks (EDs) da parte degli adolescenti. Il consumo di EDs da parte della popolazione giovanile e i loro stili di vita sono stati studiati in un campione di studenti italiani. Metodi. La sorveglianza è stata condotta in due licei nel periodo che va da Giugno 2016 a Giugno 2017. 583 studenti dai 14 ai 18 anni sono stati sottoposti alla compilazione di un questionario elaborato dall'EFSA, il quale è stato utilizzato per raccogliere informazioni dei partecipanti sulla tipologia di bevande assunte, con riferimento al consumo di EDs associato all'alcol e all'attività sportiva. Risultati. Sebbene 350 su 583 rispondenti (60%) consumino EDs, solo 146 su 583 (25%) lo associano all'alcol. Inoltre, 208 su 379 (55%) dei partecipanti fisicamente attivi riportano un frequente consumo di EDs prima delle sessioni sportive. Conclusioni. I risultati evidenziano la necessità di misure preventive primarie tramite campagne e corsi educativi sostenuti dalle scuole in modo da limitare i potenziali rischi associati all'eccessivo consumo di EDs.
Survey on Energy Drinks consumption and related lifestyle among students of two Italian high schools
Totaro, M.;Casini, B.;Valentini, P.;Lopalco, P. L.;Privitera, G.;Baggiani, Angelo
2018-01-01
Abstract
Background. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has identified some risk factors for the occurrence of side effects linked to energy drinks (EDs) consumption by young people. EDs consumption has been evaluated in a sample of students in Italy together with some aspects of their lifestyle. Methods. The survey was performed in two high schools from September 2016 to June 2017. 583 students between 14 to 18 years were recruited and a standard questionnaire (EFSA checklist) was used to collect information on responders characteristics, beverages consumption, EDs with alcohol, and EDs and sports. Results. Despite 350 out of 583 responders (60%) consumed EDs, only 146 out of 583 (25%) were EDsalcohol consumers. Moreover, 208 out of 379 (55%) of all physically active adolescents reported frequent EDs consumption before sport trainings. Conclusions. Study results highlight the need for primary prevention measures in communication campaigns and training delivered by school to limit potential health threats related to excess of EDs consumption.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
