Impact of Energy Drinks Consumption on Students’ Overall Well-being

Elabor Awelu

The increasing consumption of energy drinks among university students is alarming and a major cause for concern. The alcohol-free composition of these different energy drinks leads to the common belief that they are safe to consume. However, we must ask ourselves about the overall impact of their intake on our well-being as students.

For many students on university campuses, including the University of Ibadan, consuming energy drinks helps them stay up late into the night, studying. With academic excellence being their primary goal, it’s not surprising that many students are willing to go great lengths to enhance their ability to study attentively.

According to a student who would rather be anonymous, “since I resumed, I don’t think any day has gone by without me taking either Predator or Fearless, so I can read at night. I am always very engaged with a lot of activities during the day, going from one lecture to another, so, without energy drinks, I might sleep through the night and not read anything. I don’t know if I’m becoming addicted but I and energy drinks are ‘5 & 6‘”.

Similarly, another student from the Faculty of Arts, name withheld, said “I take energy drinks regularly, but not everyday. During the examination period, I take a large quantity of it in order to read at night”.

The purpose of this piece is to explore some of the impacts of excessive consumption of these drinks on students, which may adversely affect their overall well-being. Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that contain a very high volume of caffeine, approximately 150 mg per liter, and various other amino acids and vitamins that increase physical performance and stimulate brain function. It is basic information that excessive intake of caffeine can affect an individual’s well-being by causing restlessness in the body system, increase in heart rate, and frequent headaches that may disrupt the body’s normal state.

Sadly, it’s also interesting to note that most of these modern energy drinks contain large amounts of sugar. Often, medical practitioners warn against excessive sugar intake, this is the major reason why some individuals avoid carbonated drinks due to their high sugar levels, which is similar to energy drinks. Excessive sugar intake has been linked to several health issues, including obesity, tooth decay, increased risk of diabetes, and insulin spikes. It’s crucial for students to be aware of the sugar content in the energy drinks they consume, and to consider the long-term implications of these on their health.

As students increasingly rely on energy drinks to meet academic demands, there is a growing concern about dependency and addiction. Some students find themselves unable to study or stay awake without the aid of these beverages. Dependency on energy drinks can lead to a cycle of increased consumption, resulting in intolerance and, in extreme cases, addiction. This not only poses health risks, but also financial burdens for students who may be spending a significant portion of their money on these products.

Energy drinks have become a prevalent part of university life and diet, offering a quick energy boost during late-night study sessions. But with the potential health, financial and psychological risks they pose, it is quite essential for students to practice responsible consumption, be aware of the ingredients in these beverages, and explore alternative strategies for academic success that promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle.