Knowledge Towards Energy Drinks Consumption and Related Factors Among Young Male Athletes in the United Arab Emirates

OBJECTIVES: We aim to investigate the knowledge towards Energy Drinks (EDs) consumption and related factors among young male athletes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

SUBJECTS & METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 688 young male athletes from Al Ain sports club aged between 7 to 18 years. Data were collected using a modified version of a validated questionnaire from the European Food Safety Authority.

RESULTS: Overall EDs consumption was 24%. About 44% of the athletes consumed EDs one to two times per month. Athletes who were training between 5-7 days per week consumed significantly more EDs compared to those who were training 3-4 days per week (81% vs. 15 %, P<0.001). Athletes aged 7-12 years were 2.4 times more likely to consume EDs than athletes aged 13-18 years (P<0.001). Moreover, athletes living with both parents were significantly less likely to consume EDs compared to those living with a single parent (P=0.01). Knowledge score about EDs consumption was significantly higher for non EDs consumers compared to EDs consumers (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: EDs consumption among young male athletes was moderate. Educational programs are needed to increase the awareness regarding EDs consumption and its potential adverse effects among the young athletes. A regulation policy for EDs consumption should be addressed and consideration of labels with EDs contents and age identification is highly recommended.