1. Benefits/Effects of Energy Drinks on Adolescents
By Noorah Al-Fraywan Psychology 1100

2. Common Ingredients & Effects on the Body
Caffeine-linked to high blood pressure
Taurine-supports brain development, regulates water and mineral levels
Ginseng-boost athletic performance, strengthen immune system, improve mood
B vitamins-improve mood, fight heart disease and cancer
Caffeine- found in coffee. No prescribed safety limit, excessive consumption leads to high blood pressure and even death. Ginseng- strengthen immune system, improve mood-not much proof. B vitamins-improve mood, fight heart disease & cancer-not enough to affect. Taurine-higher than normal, no evidence unhealthy, supports brain development

3. Physical Benefits Lengthen exercise endurance Increase speed
Less tired + more alert
Increase in speed, strength, stamina. Less tired + more alert while driving. Study-reduce lane swerving, driving mistakes and self-reported sleepiness after driving. Results: less sleepiness + increased alertness

4. Psychological Benefits
Improvement in mental performance
Concentration
Memory
Improvement in mental performance-concentration + memory. Study-group given either caffeine or placebo after being asked to stay awake from 5pm-5am and then complete a series of tasks. Caffeine showed better reaction times.

5. Physical Effects Headaches Seizures Nausea Heartburn Dental erosions
Hypertension
Dehydration
May result from caffeine. Excessive sugar has been shown to disrupt good bacteria in digestive tract. Dental erosion caused by citric acid. Studies have shown that blood pressure increased by 7% on day 1 and 10% by day 7.

6. Psychological Effects
Addiction
Mood alteration
Anxiety
Sleep disruption
Lack of evidence to support psychological effects. Caffeine worsens psychosis in patients w/anxiety, panic and schizophrenia.

7. References
Energy Drink Consumption among Adolescents and Young Adults: Health Effects and Implications for Practice. (2013). Retrieved April 20, 2014, from utah.edu/utils/getfile/collection/wc- ir/id/65/filename/66.pdf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
Institute for Vibrant Living (2013, April 8). Benefits and Risks of Energy Drinks | Institute for Vibrant Living. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from benefits-and-risks-of-regular-energy-drink-consumption
Seifert, S. M., Schaechter, J. L., Hershorin, E. R., & Lipshultz, S. E. (2011, March 1). Health Effects of Energy Drinks on Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from