has increased substantially over the past decade and represents a majority of daily caffeine for all age groups among those who consume these drinks,” the authors wrote. By 2016, 5.5 percent of young adults were drinking energy drinks.Īs significant as these statistics are at face value, it’s also important to note that overall caffeine consumption - beyond energy drinks - increased during this time in each of the demographic groups. Perhaps most notably, the young adult group started the study with 0.5 percent of the group being energy drinkers. However, the other two demographics saw even larger jumps in caffeine intake.įor the adolescent group, 0.2 percent reported drinking energy drinks at the start of the study, and 1.4 percent were drinking energy drinks by 2016. In 2003, none of the middle-aged respondents reported drinking energy drinks, and by 2016 that figure jumped to over one percent. The study included responses from nearly 10,000 adolescents, over 12,000 young adults, and over 11,000 middle-aged adults.Īcross the 13-year period of the study, energy drink consumption increased among all age groups. The researchers looked at three different age groups to understand how age played a role in caffeine consumption. To see how caffeine trends are evolving around the country, the researchers looked at responses to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 through 2016. “Although the beverages are marketed to reduce fatigue and improve physical and mental performance, frequent consumption of these highly caffeinated and sugary beverages has been linked to negative health consequences.” Analyzing caffeine intake “The increasing use of energy drinks, especially among young adults, is cause for concern and warrants continued study and surveillance,” said researcher Sara N. Another study found that the caffeine in coffee may influence the activity of our genes via epigenetic changes.Photo (c) grinvalds - Getty ImagesWhile many consumers need that extra jolt of caffeine to make it through the day, a recent study found that caffeine consumption is rising dramatically across the U.S.Īccording to researchers, consumers of all ages are drinking more energy drinks and consuming more caffeine across the country. Caffeine has even been associated with a lower risk of suicide. Studies suggest that regular coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s, dementia and liver disease. Caffeine has been used to treat asthma because it acts as a mild bronchodilator, meaning it relaxes the muscles in the lungs that tighten your airways, allowing more air in. Other effects of caffeine can be beneficial, too. This causes the alert feeling commonly associated with caffeinated drinks. It also increases blood adrenaline levels and increases the amount of dopamine in your brain. It blocks the uptake of adenosine, the neurotransmitter responsible for relaxing your brain and regulating fatigue. What does caffeine do to your body?Ĭaffeine is rapidly absorbed into the body and crosses cell membranes into the central nervous system. It says that drinking this amount isn’t associated with any dangerous, negative side effects. It can also be found in over-the-counter and prescription medicines to treat drowsiness, and is used in conjunction with pain relievers to treat migraines.įor healthy adults, the US Food and Drug Administration recommends an intake of no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, around four to five cups of coffee. It is most commonly taken orally to improve mental alertness and alleviate tiredness. It is a naturally occurring chemical stimulant found in food such as chocolate and in caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks, tea, coffee, and energy drinks. Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed legal psychoactive drug.
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