Sugar and caffeine content of energy drinks and its consumption patterns among consumers at selected lorry stations in Accra

Abstract

Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that are rich in caffeine and sweeteners. Their consumption has become popular in Ghana over the past decade, however there is poor data on their caffeine content, consumption patterns and factors driving consumption among consumers. The aim of the study was to determine the sugar and caffeine contents of energy drinks and their consumption patterns at lorry stations in Accra. A total of 360 participants were interviewed at 3 selected lorry stations in Accra, using semi-structured questionnaires to assess their demographics, socio-economic status and consumption patterns of energy drinks. Five locally produced and four imported energy drinks brands were analyzed for their caffeine and sugar concentrations.It was observed that most of the study participants (78.3%) were energy drink consumers, and they were aged between 18 to 40 years (81.6%). Commercial drivers (25.5%), traders (25.2%) and students (22.0%) were the major consumers of energy drinks. About 35% of the consumers had been consuming energy drinks for five or more years. Most consumers took energy drinks to enable them to work for longer hours (50.4%) or stay alert (36.4%). About 20% of the consumers drank about 1-2 bottles a day, while 16% drank 3-5 bottles in a day. Consumers (83.3%) and non-consumers (79.5%) where aware excessive consumption of energy drinks was associated with adverse health effects. Insomnia (16.0%) and accelerated heartbeat (9.2%) were adverse effects experienced by some consumers. Locally produced energy drinks were consumed by study participants more than the imported ones. The caffeine and sugar content of energy drinks ranged from 121 to 340 mg/L and 75 to 113 g/L respectively. Energy drink consumption is highly prevalent at lorry stations in Accra, hence the need to enhance public awareness programs to educate consumers on the dangers associated with excessive consumption of energy drinks.