Association between frequency of energy drink consumption and bone tissue quality in Slovak young adults

Simona Sulis; Darina Falbová; Alexandra Hozáková; Lenka Vorobeľová

doi:10.52905/hbph2025.1.91

Authors

Simona Sulis Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1570-1470
Darina Falbová Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2672-0965
Alexandra Hozáková Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7341-5539
Lenka Vorobeľová Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2211-1581

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52905/hbph2025.1.91

Keywords:

Bone mineral density, physical activity, energy drinks, quantitative ultrasound, bioimpedance analysis

Abstract

Background The study of bone health in younger individuals is less explored than in older populations but may offer insights into preventing future bone conditions.

Objectives This study analyzes the link between bone quality and energy drink consumption while considering factors like physical activity and body composition.

Sample and Methods The sample comprised 911 Slovaks, male and female, aged 18–30 (21.53 ± 2.27). Bone mineral density was measured using a quantitative ultrasound device (Sunlight MiniOmni™), yielding speed of sound (SOS; m/s) data. Body composition variables, including Lean Body Mass (LBM; kg) and Percent Body Fat (PBF; %), were assessed with the bioimpedance analyzer InBody 770. Additional behavioural factors were gathered via a questionnaire based on the WHO Steps 2014.

Results Sex was found to be a significant predictor of SOS [F(11,899 = 4.01), p < 0.001, R2 = 0.047], with females showing higher SOS than males (p < 0.001), whereas physical activity (p = 0.594) was not a significant predictor. Although energy drink consumption did not show a direct impact on SOS according to the Saint Nicholas House Analysis (SNHA), it was a significant predictor in those who drank 1–2 days/week (p = 0.009) and those who drank less than once a month (p=0.023) with these individuals exhibiting lower SOS than non-consumers, thus poorer bone tissue quality.

Conclusion In summary, energy drinks consumed 1–2 days/week and less than once a month are associated with bone tissue quality in young adults, albeit not directly posing a potential adverse effect on bone health.

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