The effects of energy drink consumption in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study and the recommendations of the Italian Pediatric Society.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Energy drinks are widely marketed to enhance alertness and performance and are increasingly consumed by children and adolescents, despite warnings from pediatric and public health organizations regarding potential health risks. This study aimed to investigate energy drink consumption, age of initiation, motivations, risk perception, and awareness of health guidelines among Italian adolescents, with comparisons across distinct clinical and non-clinical subgroups.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May and December 2025 using an anonymous questionnaire administered to adolescents aged 9-17 years. Participants were recruited from four settings: inpatients with eating disorders, other hospitalized patients, competitive athletes, and healthy control

SUBMITTER: Bozzola E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13637185 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature