Consumption of Energy Drinks and Use of Dietary Supplements Among Italian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
- 1Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- 2Unit of Epidemiology and Health Statistic, Local Health Authority of Pescara, 65100 Pescara, Italy
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The rising consumption of energy drinks (ED) and dietary supplements (DS) among youth raises public health concerns, particularly regarding uncontrolled use, excessive dosages, and product combinations. This study assessed ED and DS use among a sample of university students in Southern Italy and identified associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Methods: Students from “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara completed a web-based questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, ED and DS consumption, and health-related behaviors between February and September 2023. Results: A total of 404 students participated (74.8% female; mean age 22.1 ± 3.9 years). Overall, 27.9% reported ED consumption, and 36.7% regularly used DS, primarily proteins and amino acids (33.8%). Regarding lifestyle, 45.3% were smokers, and 68.3% did not engage in regular physical activity. Multivariable analysis showed that ED consumption was positively associated with male sex (OR 3.63; 95% CI 1.94–6.79) and team sports participation (OR 6.59; 95% CI 1.76–24.60). DS use was significantly higher among physically active students (p < 0.001) and was positively associated with weight training (OR 32.2; 95% CI 9.36–111.2) and aerobic exercise (OR 3.03; 95% CI 1.34–6.85), while being negatively associated with male sex (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.29–0.87). Smoking status and BMI showed no significant associations with ED or DS use. Conclusions: These findings highlight a substantial prevalence of ED and DS use among university students enrolled in health-related courses, linked to specific sporting activities rather than general lifestyle risks. Targeted educational interventions may help promote informed and responsible consumption in this population.
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BibTeX
@article{vaccaro2026consumption,
title = {{Consumption of Energy Drinks and Use of Dietary Supplements Among Italian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study}},
author = {Federica Vaccaro and Giuseppe Di Martino and Pamela Di Giovanni and Tommaso Staniscia},
journal = {Nutrients},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/nu18203386},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/20/3386},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Consumption of Energy Drinks and Use of Dietary Supplements Among Italian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
AU - Federica Vaccaro
AU - Giuseppe Di Martino
AU - Pamela Di Giovanni
AU - Tommaso Staniscia
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Nutrients
DO - 10.3390/nu18203386
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/20/3386
AB - Background/Objectives: The rising consumption of energy drinks (ED) and dietary supplements (DS) among youth raises public health concerns, particularly regarding uncontrolled use, excessive dosages, and product combinations. This study assessed ED and DS use among a sample of university students in Southern Italy and identified associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Methods: Students from “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara completed a web-based questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, ED and DS consumption, and health-related behaviors between February and September 2023. Results: A total of 404 students participated (74.8% female; mean age 22.1 ± 3.9 years). Overall, 27.9% reported ED consumption, and 36.7% regularly used DS, primarily proteins and amino acids (33.8%). Regarding lifestyle, 45.3% were smokers, and 68.3% did not engage in regular physical activity. Multivariable analysis showed that ED consumption was positively associated with male sex (OR 3.63; 95% CI 1.94–6.79) and team sports participation (OR 6.59; 95% CI 1.76–24.60). DS use was significantly higher among physically active students (p < 0.001) and was positively associated with weight training (OR 32.2; 95% CI 9.36–111.2) and aerobic exercise (OR 3.03; 95% CI 1.34–6.85), while being negatively associated with male sex (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.29–0.87). Smoking status and BMI showed no significant associations with ED or DS use. Conclusions: These findings highlight a substantial prevalence of ED and DS use among university students enrolled in health-related courses, linked to specific sporting activities rather than general lifestyle risks. Targeted educational interventions may help promote informed and responsible consumption in this population.
SN - 2072-6643
ER -