Risks and effects of caffeine consumption from energy drinks: A public health perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i11.50024Keywords:
Caffeine, Energy drinks, Public health, Adolescents, Marketing.Abstract
The consumption of energy drinks has increased significantly in recent decades, especially among adolescents and young adults, becoming a growing public health concern. This study aimed to analyze the risks and effects of caffeine consumption from these beverages from the perspective of Brazilian public health. It is a integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed and SciELO databases, considering articles published between 2014 and 2024. The analysis gathered studies discussing the physiological, behavioral, and social impacts related to energy drink consumption, organized into thematic categories. The results show that caffeine, the main active component, acts as a psychoactive substance with addictive potential and may cause adverse effects when consumed in excess, such as cardiovascular alterations, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. The main motivations for consumption include curiosity, the need to improve academic or work performance, peer influence, and strong marketing appeal, especially in digital media and sports. Another concerning aspect is the frequent association with alcohol, which increases the risks. It is concluded that energy drink consumption represents a challenge for public health, requiring regulatory policies, educational actions, and greater awareness, particularly among young people.
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