Weekly consumption of energy drinks among teens has been linked to a higher consumption of other sugar-sweetened beverages, cigarette smoking, and screen media use, said a study. "Among boys, the weekly sports drink consumption was significantly associated with higher TV viewing," said Nicole Larson of University of Minnesota in the US. Boys who regularly consumed sports drinks spent about one additional hour per week watching television compared to boys who consumed sports drinks less than once per week.
Those who consumed energy drinks at least weekly spent approximately four additional hours per week playing video games compared to those who consumed energy drinks less than once per week. The study involved 2,793 adolescents in the US. The high caffeine content of energy drinks, as well as the high sugar and calorie content has drawn much concern from health professionals. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, energy drinks should not be consumed because they offer no benefit and increase the risk for over-stimulation of the nervous system.
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