Prevalence of Energy-Drink and Supplement Usage in a Sample of Air Force Personnel

摘要

This study was implemented to determine the prevalence of energy drink consumption and the factors influencing energy drink usage in a U.S. Air Force population. In addition, vitamin intake and nutritional-supplement intake data also were collected. The reported prevalence for the study population exceeded that of the general population. However, the frequency with which the studied Air Force population consumes such beverages is low. Despite the low frequency of reported energy-drink consumption, several negative and positive side effects were reported. Mass availability of energy drinks both on base and Air Force work installations were also reported. A low level of vitamin and nutritional supplement intake was reported in comparison to an earlier study suggesting that energy drink usage may be taking the place of vitamins and nutritional supplements. It is recommended that careful studies be performed to investigate safety and efficacy of energy drinks. Also recommended is that the research community and the military leadership should endeavor to correct whatever problems underlie the prevalence of energy drink consumption. Finally, it is recommended that a similar survey be administered to other military populations in order to compare the prevalence rate and influencing factors of energy drink consumption across the U.S. military.