Nordic Survey Reveals High Energy Drink Use Among Teenagers

A new Nordic survey shows over 20 percent of teenagers drink energy drinks daily. For parents and youth in Sweden and Denmark, health authorities warn against these habits. Swedish food safety officials urge action when these drinks affect sleep and health.

Sweden's food authority, Livsmedelsverket, surveyed 4,916 teenagers aged 15 to 19. The study covered Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Six out of ten respondents drank energy drinks at least weekly. Weekly consumption reached 75 percent in Sweden, but only 43 percent in Denmark.

Almost half of the teenagers felt they needed these drinks to survive their day. Nearly half started drinking them at age 14 or younger. One in ten began before turning 12.

Among consumers, 30 percent reported health problems like heart palpitations and poor sleep. Taste was the main reason for consumption, followed by energy and staying awake. Norway bans sales to under-16s. Denmark advises children under 15 to avoid energy drinks, reports CPH Post.