RIA Research Scientist Kathleen E Miller, PhD, after investigation has reached on to conclusion that energy drinks lead to risk-taking behavior among teenagers. She studied young adults aged between 18-20, and concluded that energy drinks typically contain three times the caffeine of a soft drink, and in some cases, up to 10 times.

 

She affirms that energy drinks contain ingredients such as taurine and other amino acids, massive doses of vitamins, and plant and herbal extracts. She in her study observed that frequent energy drink consumers were approximately three times more likely than non-consumers to have smoked, abused prescription drugs and been in a serious physical fight.

 

Concluding her study she said that it is widely, but incorrectly, believed that the caffeine in energy drinks counteracts the effects of alcohol, so students will have the energy to party all night without getting as drunk. Miller in the end said, for parents and college officials, frequent energy drink consumption may be a warning sign for identifying a young person at higher risk for health-compromising behavior.