The Effects of Heavy Caffeine Consumption on High School Student- Athletes

Abstract

A recurring lack of advertising regarding the effects of highly caffeinated beverages, namely energy drinks, is greatly impacting the younger generation and causing unintended results as seen most often in high school student-athletes. Name brands such as Redbull, Celcius, and Monster Energy have transitioned their marketing strategies to target teens. This study analyzed the direct impacts of energy drinks on adolescents resulting from this change in marketing by evaluating sports performance, academic success, and perceived side effects derived from energy drink consumption and was administered through a campus-wide survey. The survey was administered in a central Texas high school and surveyed a variety of participants from all backgrounds and without bias. Results indicate that many students experience strong caffeine dependencies and medically alarming side effects such as chest pain while consuming energy drinks. The study discusses further strategies that could be taken to raise awareness of the dangerous effects of heavy caffeine consumption including a mandatory FDA regulation.