The U.S researchers, in two studies, found a connection between energy drinks and college students' risky behavior. The researchers affirmed that those youngsters who frequently consume energy drinks have higher tendency to indulge in risky behavior. They analyzed data collected from 795 students under age group of 18 to 25 yrs. The two studies were lead by scientist Kathleen Miller, with the University of Buffalo's Research Institute.

The researchers studied the behavioral pattern of 795 students. Out of 795 students, 52 per cent were males and 48 per cent were females. Out of these, 39 per cent students had consumed at least one energy drink in the previous month. Nearly 75 percent students had consumed energy drink mixed with alcohol.

Analysis of data showed that involvement of students, who consumed energy drinks frequently (six or more times a month), in activities like smoking, drugs, unsafe sex and physical fights was three times greater as compared to the students who didn’t take energy drinks.

Kathleen Miller said that the parents as well teachers should view frequent energy drink consumption by youngsters as the warning sign of coming trouble. Such youngsters are at higher risk for health-compromising behavior. She added that such drinks have no direct connection with the health of a youngster.

Miller said, "It is widely, but incorrectly, believed that the caffeine in energy drinks counteracts the effects of alcohol, so students will have the energy to party all night without getting  drunk." She added that this combination may reduce perceptions of intoxication but it does not reduce alcohol-induced impairments of reaction time or judgment.

The researcher claimed that an eight-ounce energy drink typically contains 80 mg of caffeine, which is equal to one strong cup of coffee or two 12-ounce caffeinated soft drinks. Energy drinks also have ingredients that can potentially interact with other substances, such as taurine, other amino acids, large doses of vitamins, and plant and herbal extracts. Youngsters who consume such drinks frequently take risks as compared to non-consumers. These consumers don’t think logically before indulging in fights, smoking, unsafe sex or violent behavior. The researchers warned parents keep a constant check on the activities of frequent energy drink drinkers to avoid any serious problem.