College Athletes Are Heavy Users Of Energy Drinks, Supplements, Prescribed Medications

A survey conducted in 2010-2011 among college students who participated in athletics found that “the vast majority” were using energy drinks, dietary supplements, and prescription medications to enhance athletic performance. The findings may spark renewed interest in the use of energy drinks and other dietary supplements targeted at student athletes. Energy drinks had the highest prevalence (80.1 percent), followed by dietary supplements (64.1 percent) and prescription medications (53.3 percent). Use was most prevalent amongst intercollegiate athletes (89.4 percent). The researchers acknowledged that most ingredients are safe, “but as the products are not regulated as pharmaceuticals, there is a potential for toxicity from either a new ingredient or contamination”.