Exploring the effects of caffeine content in energy drinks consumed by athletes in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region in Namibia

Abstract

Energy drinks also known as (EDs) have become a well known staple beverage among nowadays generations, giving an instant increase in energy, enhanced alertness, and boosted  physical  endurance. Commonly consumed for athletic, social, and academic purposes, their availability and hostile marketing have influenced to rising dependence and abuse. The main objective of this study was to exploring the effects of caffeine content in energy drinks consumed by athletes in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region in Namibia. This employed a quantitative approach in it design to collect in-depth required data from participants. The population of this study consisted of n = 100 participants who were selected purposively on basis of their active participation in soccer, volleyball, netball, and basketball. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS V21 software. Moreover, analyzed descriptive data was interpreted in percentages, frequencies, mean and standard deviation, and was presented into table. The results of this study revealed that the caffeine content in energy drinks above 150 milligrams have serious health implications such; heart rate increase, heart palpitations, stroke, cardiac arrest, heart rhythm problems, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, depression, sleep disruption and fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, dehydration, dental erosion and cavities, blood sugar spikes and it can lead to risks of developing Type 2 diabetes. There it can be concluded from this study that high content of caffeine in energy drinks have serious health implications if consumed at high doses, precautionary measures need to be taken into consideration prior to consumption.