Har energidryck någon kognitiv effekt i kombination med alkohol? : Med fokus på komponeneten koffein

Sammanfattning: Background: Energy drinks have been found in everyday-stores since 1997 and their popularity have increased over time. Consumtion of energy drinks takes place because of their ability to increase concentration and to decrease fatigue but also because of the popularity the drinks have got. Target groups for these stimulating beverages are adolescents and young adults. Energy drinks contain caffeine, taurine, glucuronolacton, carbohydrates and B-vitamins and voices have been raised about the eligibility for young people to ingest large quantities of these kinds of substances. Because of the properties of these substances it has become popular to mix energy drinks and alcoholic beverages to make up for the negative effects of alcohol and to be able to drink larger quantaties. Aim: The aim of this literature work was to investigate cognitive effects of the combination of caffeine in terms of energy drinks and alcohol and to determine if these effects could be harmful. Method: This literature work is based on five scientific articles retrieved from PubMed. Inclusion criteria for selection of the articles were examination of the effects of a combined use of alkohol and energy drinks. Results: A combination of energy drinks and alcohol can give a larger intake of alcohol and/or an overestimate of a persons abilities (for example to drive). Some effects can be seen in the perception of alcohol effects by simultaneous intake of alcohol and energy drinks because of the effect of caffeine. Discussion: There are many factors that can have an influence when it comes to effects of a combination of energy drinks and alcohol. Caffeine (in energy drinks) can have some impact on the perception of alcohol effects but also use of tobacco, contraceptives and energy states in the body can make a difference. Expectations that some substances could have an influence (placebo effect) might as well give an effect.