OBJECTIVE: To investigate the form and level of daily caffeine intake recommended above 400 mg in medical students expected to consume caffeinated beverages to enhance their performance.
METHODS: From May to June 2023, freshman through senior medical students at a medical school in Korea were administered a seven-item questionnaire designed to measure the amount of caffeine-containing foods consumed, the weekly interval between consumption, the reason for consumption, and the level of caffeine-induced symptoms experienced.
RESULTS: Out of 443 students, 361 responded (81.5%). The most commonly consumed caffeine beverages were coffee (79.2%), followed by soda (33.2%), tea (27.4%), chocolate (25.2%), and energy drinks (20.5%). The estimated (average±standard deviation) daily intake was estimated to 274.6±276.5 mg, and they consumed caffeine on an average of 4.25±2.26 days per week. Students who consumed 400 mg or more of caffeine daily consumed 19.9%. The primary motivation for caffeine intake was \"to improve academic performance\" (60.9%) and \"preferred food\" (51.8%). Among the responders, 98% of them replied they had symptoms that could be caused by caffeine, in order of palpitations (47.4%), frequent urination (42.9%), anxiety (27.1%), indigestion (17.5%), and excitement (17.5%). A total of 45.7% reported two symptoms, and 24.7% reported three or more.
CONCLUSIONS: Caffeinated beverage consumption was routine among current medical students, with 20% consuming more than the recommended daily amount. Most students experienced at least one caffeine-induced symptom, with two symptoms in half, suggesting the need for policy measures and warnings about caffeine-containing foods.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effects of different energy drinks on the surface roughness, weight loss, and color change of various bioactive restorative materials.
METHODS: Charisma Diamond One, Activa™ BioActive Restorative, Activa™ Presto™ and Equia Forte HT Fil samples were prepared using plastic molds (8 × 2 mm) (n = 10/groups). After polishing, the samples were weighed, their colors were recorded using a spectrophotometer according to the CIEDE2000 system, and their surface roughness was measured using a profilometer. The samples were immersed in Powerade, Burn, Monster and distilled water for 7 days. After immersion, all the measurements were repeated. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann‒Whitney U test (p < 0.05).
RESULTS: All energy drinks roughened the surface of Equia Forte HT Fil (p < 0.05). Powerade and Monster increased the Ra of all materials after 7 days (p < 0.05). Burns affected all materials except the Activa Bioactive (p < 0.05). Significant weight loss was observed in the Equia Forte group after immersion in all the energy drinks, whereas no weight loss was observed in the other groups. According to the color measurements, ΔE00 values were greater in the Burn and Monster groups, except for the Equia Forte HT Fil group (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Energy drinks affected bioactive materials to varying degrees. The glass hybrid material was the most affected, and the bioactive restorative materials based on the resin matrix were the least.

BACKGROUND: Energy drinks (EDs) have become a serious public health issue worldwide, because of the effects of the contents. There has been a remarkable surge in global consumption, particularly among college students. This trend has raised concerns regarding safety alongside the marketing claims of physiological and behavioural benefits.
OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the prevalence, consumption patterns, and perceived benefits of Energy drinks among medical students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra state, Nigeria.
UNASSIGNED: After obtaining approval from the ethics and research committees of NAUTH Nnewi, 200 students who met the eligibility criteria were selected by a two-stage sampling procedure to participate in the study over one month. Data was collected through a pretested, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. This study\'s significance level was set at P < 0.05 for all analyses.
RESULTS: The results of this study revealed that 81.5% of participants had consumed energy drinks at some point in their lives, with the majority starting between the ages of 10 and 20 years. The most frequently consumed energy drink was Fearless, accounting for 55.2% of the reported consumption. The primary motivations for energy drink consumption included promotion (25%), peer influence (25%), and curiosity (23.5%). Participants cited various reasons for using energy drinks, including the desire for alertness enhancement (47.2%), seeking refreshment (42.3%), stress relief (23.3%), stimulation (22.1%), and improved concentration (19.6%).
CONCLUSIONS: The research underscores elevated rates of energy drink consumption among these students, underscoring the imperative for robust education and awareness programs aimed at empowering medical students to make well-informed choices.
BACKGROUND: Les boissons énergisantes (BE) sont devenues un sérieux problème de santé publique dans le monde entier en raison des effets de leur contenu. Leur consommation a connu une augmentation remarquable à l\'échelle mondiale, en particulier chez les étudiants universitaires. Cette tendance a soulevé des inquiétudes concernant la sécurité et les allégations marketing de bénéfices physiologiques et comportementaux.
OBJECTIVE: Cette étude visait à évaluer la prévalence, les habitudes de consommation et les bénéfices perçus des boissons énergisantes chez les étudiants en médecine de l\'hôpital universitaire Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nnewi, État d\'Anambra, au Nigeria.
UNASSIGNED: Après avoir obtenu l\'approbation des comités d\'éthique et de recherche du NAUTH Nnewi, 200 étudiants répondant aux critères d\'éligibilité ont été sélectionnés selon une procédure d\'échantillonnage en deux étapes pour participer à l\'étude sur une période d\'un mois. Les données ont été collectées à l\'aide d\'un questionnaire semi-structuré autoadministré pré-testé et analysées à l\'aide du logiciel SPSS version 25.0. Le niveau de signification de cette étude a été fixé à P < 0,05 pour toutes les analyses.
UNASSIGNED: Les résultats de cette étude ont révélé que 81,5 % des participants avaient consommé des boissons énergisantes à un moment donné de leur vie, la majorité ayant commencé entre 10 et 20 ans. La boisson énergétique la plus fréquemment consommée était Fearless, représentant 55,2 % de la consommation déclarée. Les principales motivations de la consommation de boissons énergisantes étaient la promotion (25 %), l\'influence des pairs (25 %) et la curiosité (23,5 %). Les participants ont cité diverses raisons pour consommer des boissons énergisantes, notamment le désir d\'améliorer l\'alerte (47,2 %), de se rafraîchir (42,3 %), de soulager le stress (23,3 %), de stimuler (22,1 %) et d\'améliorer la concentration (19,6 %).
CONCLUSIONS: La recherche souligne les taux élevés de consommation de boissons énergisantes chez ces étudiants, soulignant la nécessité de programmes d\'éducation et de sensibilisation solides visant à permettre aux étudiants en médecine de faire des choix éclairés.
UNASSIGNED: Boissons énergisantes, habitudes de consommation, bénéfices perçus, étudiants en médecine, établissement tertiaire, sud-est du Nigeria.

暂无摘要。

Energy drinks are nonalcoholic beverages whose main ingredients are sugar, taurine, and caffeine. The consumption of energy drinks is increasing worldwide, but only a few conflicting studies have investigated the vascular effects of energy drinks in young adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate microvascular reactivity before and after energy drinks consumption in young healthy male volunteers. This was a cross-sectional prospective study. Microvascular reactivity signals were evaluated in the skin of the forearm using laser speckle contrast imaging with acetylcholine (ACh) iontophoresis before and 90 and 180 min after the randomized consumption of one ED or the same volume of water (control), followed by a postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) test. Thirty-two volunteers were evaluated (age: 25.4±4.3 years). Energy drink consumption prevented the rest-induced reduction in cutaneous vascular conductance over time that was observed in the control group. In the control group, there were significant reductions in microvascular vasodilation at 90 and 180 min compared to baseline (P=0.004), but this was not the case in the energy drink group (P=0.76). Our results demonstrated that the reduction in microvascular conductance associated with prolonged immobility can be prevented by the consumption of one energy drink, highlighting the vasodilator effects of this beverage in young individuals at rest. The between-study variability in terms of the brand of energy drinks and the ingested volume, as well as the method of vascular evaluation and the inclusion criteria, may explain the discrepancies among previous studies on the vascular effects of energy drinks.

BACKGROUND: Frequent consumption of Energy Drinks (EDs) is associated with numerous health problems, including overweight and obesity, particularly among children and adolescents. The extensive promotion, wide accessibility, and relatively low cost of EDs have significantly increased their popularity among this age group. This paper examines policies/programs that, directly and indirectly, contribute to reducing ED consumption in children and adolescents and shares global experiences to help policymakers adopt evidence-based policies.
METHODS: A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to June 2024, along with reputable international organization websites, to find literature on policies aimed at reducing ED consumption among children and adolescents. All sources meeting the inclusion criteria were included without restrictions. Titles and abstracts were initially screened, followed by a full-text review. After evaluating the quality of the selected studies, data were extracted and, along with information from the selected documents, compiled into a table, detailing the country, policy type, and the effectiveness and weaknesses of each policy.
RESULTS: Out of 12166 reviewed studies and documents, 84 studies and 70 documents met the inclusion criteria. 73 countries and territories have implemented policies like taxation, sales bans, school bans, labeling, and marketing restrictions on EDs. Most employ fiscal measures, reducing consumption despite enforcement challenges. Labeling, access restrictions, and marketing bans are common but face issues like black markets.
CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review outlines diverse strategies adopted by countries to reduce ED consumption among children and teenagers, such as taxation, school bans, sales restrictions, and labeling requirements. While heightened awareness of ED harms has reinforced policy efforts, many Asian and African nations lack such measures, some policies remain outdated for over a decade, and existing policies face several challenges. These challenges encompass industry resistance, governmental disagreements, public opposition, economic considerations, and the intricacies of policy design. Considering this, countries should tailor policies to their cultural and social contexts, taking into account each policy\'s strengths and weaknesses to avoid loopholes. Inter-sectoral cooperation, ongoing policy monitoring, updates, and public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness and ensure effective implementation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess, in vitro, the color stability and bleaching response of three bulk-fill composite resins-Activa™, Tetric®-N-Ceram Bulk-Fill, and Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill???and one conventional composite resin, Filtek™ Z250, after immersion in commonly consumed carbonated beverages and subsequent home bleaching with 15 percent carbamide peroxide. Methods: Ninety-six samples (two- and four-mm thick) of the materials were immersed in malt drink, energy drink, cola, or distilled water for one day, one week, and two months. After two months, samples underwent home bleaching with 15 percent carbamide peroxide gel. Spectrophotometric analysis measured color and whiteness changes pre-immersion, post-immersion, and post-bleaching. Statistical significance was determined using factorial mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA), three-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests (P<0.05). Results: All tested composite resins exhibited unacceptable discoloration (color change greater than 3.3) after two months in carbonated beverages. Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill and Filtek™ Z250 displayed the most significant discoloration, particularly when immersed in the malt drink (P<0.05). In contrast, Activa™ samples reached unacceptable discoloration within just one week in malt and cola drinks. Home bleaching yielded limited whiteness recovery, with Activa™ presenting acceptable whiteness post-bleaching after staining with cola and energy drinks. Conclusions: This study highlights the aesthetic risks of prolonged carbonated beverage consumption and the limitations of the assessed home bleaching technique using 15 percent carbamide peroxide. Enhanced dental education on the dietary effects of some beverages on restorative materials is indicated by these findings.

The consumption of energy drinks (ED) has become a growing public health issue, since potentially ED-related serious adverse cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies, and sudden cardiac death, have been reported in recent years. The substances contained in ED include caffeine, taurine, sugars, B group vitamins and phyto-derivatives, which, especially if taken in large quantities and in a short amount of time, could cause serious side effects through various mechanisms of action, such as increased blood pressure and QT interval prolongation. Although there are still many open questions on ED that require further specific investigations, there is an urgent need for information and educational plans to the population, as well as for regulatory actions, particularly regarding transparency of substances and possible adverse effects.

Energy drink (ED) consumption among Israeli-Arab adolescents is widespread. This study aimed to investigate the acute glycemic and insulin effects of EDs in healthy adolescents. Seventy-one Israeli-Arab adolescents (56% girls, average age 16.04 ± 1.03 years) participated in a non-randomized, case-controlled, open-label study. Participants consumed ED (n = 36) or a volume- and carbohydrate-matched non-caffeinated soft drink (SD, n = 35), followed by a 2 h glucose tolerance test. Blood glucose was measured at baseline and 15, 30, 60, and 120 min post-consumption (T0, T15, T30, T60 and T120, respectively). Serum insulin concentration and caffeine relative intensity were determined 45 min post-consumption (T45). Blood glucose levels peaked significantly at T15 and remained significantly higher at T30 in the ED group compared to the SD group (p = 0.005, p = 0.017, respectively). Insulin concentrations were substantially higher at T45 in the ED group (t [64] = 2.794, p = 0.001). This pattern was especially prominent in heavy ED consumers. A positive correlation emerged between the amount of caffeine consumed (mg/kg), blood glucose levels at T15 and T30, and insulin concentration at T45. This study is the first to demonstrate the glycemic and insulin responses to ED consumption in adolescents, suggesting that regulatory measures limiting ED sales to adolescents could improve their health.

BACKGROUND: The long-term consumption of junk food products can lead to nutritional and metabolic imbalances, especially when it is associated with a lack of physical activity and the consumption of alcohol or other high-calorie products.
METHODS: The evaluation of junk food consumption among teenagers and young people in Romania was carried out with the help of a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire.
RESULTS: A total number of 1017 respondents participated in this study, comprising 470 males and 547 females aged between 16 and 25 years. Although the majority of young people fell into the normal-weight category (607 of them, p < 0.0001), some aspects can be noted that in the long term can produce a series of nutritional imbalances: an increased tendency toward sedentarism, with 553 (p = 0.613) of the respondents declaring that they performed sports rarely or not at all, and a tendency toward relatively high consumption of foods high in calories (fast food products and especially fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma, pastries, and snacks, along with sweetened drinks and even alcoholic beverages). The respondents participating in this study even indicated a perceived addiction to the consumption of certain products: coffee (50.48%), fried potatoes (38.9%), hamburgers (37.05%), shawarma (31.65%), and snacks (30.08%). Many of these products are rich in calories, saturated fat, and even trans fat.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a series of aspects that can have long-term negative effects related to the excess weight associated with other imbalances: consumption preferences among young people for hypercaloric fast food products, sweetened drinks associated with reduced physical activity, and even the development of some forms of food addictions for a series of hypercaloric foods.