Self-reported physiological and psychological side-effects of an acute alcohol and energy drink dose.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the acute psychological and physiological effects of consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) compared to consuming alcohol or energy drinks separately.
Results Summary
The study found few subjective changes in physiological and psychological state after consuming AmED relative to alcohol alone. Most changes were due to the independent effects of alcohol or energy drinks, with minimal interaction effects, except for a moderate decrease in heart palpitation ratings with alcohol alone compared to AmED.
Population
28 adults
Effective Dosage
3.57 mL/kg energy drink
Duration
Single sessions with measurements at baseline, 30, and 125 minutes post-administration
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
alcohol (0.50g/kg) | increase | breath alcohol concentration | 28 adults | .068% | peaked at | #1 |
AmED (alcohol mixed with energy drinks) | increase | breath alcohol concentration | 28 adults | .067% | peaked at | #2 |
alcohol and energy drink (ED) administration | no change | self-reported psychological outcomes | 28 adults | no significant change | no interactive effects on | #3 |
alcohol | decrease | heart palpitation ratings | 28 adults | moderate magnitude | decrease in | #4 |
alcohol | decrease | muscular tension ratings | 28 adults | - | decreased | #5 |
energy drink (ED) (3.57mL/kg) | decrease | muscular tension ratings | 28 adults | - | decreased | #6 |
AmED (alcohol mixed with energy drinks) | no change | physiological and psychological state | 28 adults | - | few subjective changes in | #7 |
OBJECTIVE: There have been repeated calls from health professionals and policy-makers to clarify the side-effects of the increasingly popular consumption trend of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED). There is a dearth of research assessing the differential effects of AmED relative to alcohol by comparing self-reported psychological and physiological outcomes whilst under the influence of these substances. The aim of the present study was to examine the acute effects of a moderate alcohol and energy drink (ED) dose on self-reported psychological and physiological outcomes. METHOD: Using a single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 28 adults completed four sessions where they were administered: (i) 0.50g/kg alcohol, (ii) 3.57mL/kg ED, (iii) AmED, and (iv) placebo. Participants independently completed the Profile of Mood States and a Somatic Symptom Scale at baseline and at 30 and 125min after beverage administration. RESULTS: Breath alcohol concentration peaked at .068% and .067% in the alcohol and AmED conditions, respectively. There were no interactive alcohol and ED effects on self-reported psychological outcomes. Treatment effects for physiological outcomes generally only related to alcohol or ED administration, with the exception of a moderate magnitude decrease in heart palpitation ratings following alcohol relative to AmED. Decreased muscular tension ratings were evident when the two constituents were consumed separately relative to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence of few subjective changes in physiological and psychological state after consuming AmED relative to alcohol. The majority of treatment-based changes arose from the independent effects of alcohol or ED, rather than being modified by their interaction. However, research extending into higher dosage domains is required to increase outcome generalisability for consumers in the night-time economy.