A comparison of alcohol consumption when mixed with energy drinks and mixed with cola

Introduction and Aims: There has been much research interest on whether consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AMED) increases overall alcohol consumption. However, limited research has investigated whether energy drinks are unique in their effects when mixed with alcohol by making direct comparisons with other similar caffeinated mixers. Therefore, the aim of the presented research was to compare alcohol consumption on AMED occasions, with other occasions on which the same individuals mixed alcohol with cola (AMC). Design and Methods: A survey among Dutch students from Utrecht University collected data on the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed on alcohol only, AMED and AMC occasions (N = 453). Results: Within subjects analysis revealed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the number of alcoholic drinks usually consumed on AMED (5.9) versus AMC (5.7) occasions. However, the number of standard mixers (ED=250 ml, 80 mg caffeine, Cola=180 ml, 18 mg caffeine) usually consumed were significantly lower (p <0.01) on AMED occasions (1.5) compared to AMC occasions (2.8). In addition, when consuming AMED, students reported significantly (p <0.01) fewer drinks mixed on a heavy drinking session (5.2 vs. 6.5), fewer days consuming 4 (females)/5 (males) or more alcohol drinks (1.0 vs. 1.9), fewer days mixing (1.5 vs. 3.0) and fewer days drunk (0.6 vs. 1.0) compared to when consuming AMC. Of importance, alcohol consumption was significantly less on both AMED and AMC occasions compared to alcohol only occasions (p <0.001). Discussion and Conclusions: Both frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption are significantly lower on AMED occasions compared to AMC and alcohol only occasions. These findings indicate that the current concerns on energy drinks being a uniquemixer in increasing overall alcohol consumption is unwarranted. Future research should focus on excessive alcohol consumption per se.