Mental health and energy drink consumption among Norwegian adolescents; a cross-sectional study

Energy drinks (ED) are marketed as boosters of mental and physical health, but few studies have looked at the mental health of adolescents who consume large amounts of ED. The current study aims to investigate the association between symptoms of depression and ED consumption among Norwegian adolescents between 2017 and 2022.

Data from the Norwegian nationwide youth survey (Ungdata) with participants from lower and upper secondary schools was used. A total of 133,401 adolescents who participated between 2017 and 2022 were included. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to calculate the relative risks and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals with symptoms of depression as the main outcome variable. The models have been controlled for the exposure variable (ED consumption) and the covariates; perceived everyday pressure, school-related stress, general self-efficacy next to other background variables.

The sample comprised 63,233 (47.5%) boys and 66,621 (52.5%) girls. In total, 2.9% consumed ED daily, 52.3% had consumed any ED while 44.7% had never consumed ED. 18.3% of the total sample had a high level of symptoms of depression. Moreover, when adjusted for all variables, any (RR: 1.23, CI: 1.20-1.26) and daily ED consumption (RR: 1.94, CI: 1.85-2.03) were associated with increased symptoms of depression.

ED continues to be a popular beverage among Norwegian adolescents and regular consumption of ED is related to key elements of adolescents' symptoms of depression when adjusted by perceived everyday pressure, school-related stress and general self-efficacy. This study adds to the body of evidence linking regular ED consumption to mental health which is increasingly common among adolescents. Public health initiatives such as increasing public information or restricting ED sales to adolescents should be considered to reduce ED consumption among adolescents. Yet, further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms of how ED and symptoms of depression are associated.