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Energy drinks: effects on pediatric 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. A randomized trial

F. Oberhoffer, R. Dalla-Pozza, A. Jakob, N. Haas, G. Mandilaras, Pengzhu Li

Pediatric Research, 2023

17 participants · 20 citations

Abstract

Background Energy drinks (EDs) are popular beverages among minors. To date, clinical studies investigating ED-induced effects on the pediatric cardiovascular system are sparse. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single, bodyweight-adjusted ED dosage on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in healthy children and adolescents. Methods This study was a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial. Study participants received a single, bodyweight-adjusted ED amount or a placebo drink on 2 consecutive days at similar morning hours. Twenty-four-hour ABPM was assessed via an automated oscillometric blood pressure device after beverage consumption on both study days. Results A total of 17 healthy children and teenagers (13.90 (12.29–17.89) years) were included in the final analysis. The ED consumption led, compared to the placebo intake, to a significantly higher 24-h systolic (115.90 (110.22–118.04) vs. 110.64 (108.09–115.45) mmHg, p = 0.013) and diastolic blood pressure (66.08 (64.20–68.32) vs. 62.63 (61.40–66.46) mmHg, p = 0.005). Conclusions The single, bodyweight-adjusted ED consumption is linked with a significantly higher systolic as well as diastolic 24-h blood pressure in healthy children and adolescents. Minors, particularly those with an increased cardiovascular morbidity, should be discouraged from drinking EDs. Impact Energy drinks (EDs) are consumed by many children and teenagers. While adverse cardiovascular events…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 17 participants or records.

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