Energy drink survey comes to Lakenheath Published Nov. 16, 2012 By Col. Lynne Taylor 48th Medical Group ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- There is an ongoing study on the prevalence of energy drink consumption among all Air Force personnel, including civilians, stationed at RAF Lakenheath. The survey was initiated by investigators at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. in September to understand how many Air Force personnel use energy drinks, the side effects that are experienced and the reasons people choose to consume them. After gaining approval from the Air Force Survey Office, 11 other sites have been invited to join the research efforts, with RAF Lakenheath being one of the selected bases. The survey will run for four weeks at each site, with the study collection period concluding at the end of the year. Energy drinks are widely used in the military, although little is known about the effects on the body. While the Food and Drug Administration limits the amount of caffeine in sodas and other beverages to no more than 71 milligrams per 12-ounce can, there are no such restrictions on energy drinks since they are classified as 'nutritional supplements.' This is particularly concerning to medical providers, since some energy drinks contain up to 500 milligrams of caffeine per container. Most people consume them for the positive effects of increased mental alertness, energy and stamina; however, excessive amounts of caffeine can cause insomnia, irritability, anxiety, crabbiness, headaches and an increased heartbeat. In October of this year, the family of a 14-year old girl sued the makers of one particular energy drink for wrongful death. After consuming two 24-ounce containers in 24 hours, the girl became unconscious and later died from a cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity, which prevented the heart from pumping blood. Although there have not been any reports of deaths attributed to energy drinks in the military, the limited knowledge about the physical effects of energy drinks and how many Air Force personnel consume them is a potential health risk. A 2008 research study found that 61 percent of all active duty members surveyed at one Air Force base consumed energy drinks. A more recent study in 2012 at Travis AFB, Calif., indicated that consumption rates were 87 percent for active duty members, with 40 percent consuming at least one drink per week. Consumption among non-active duty members at Travis was 61 percent, which is significantly lower. These findings raise questions about why the more recent consumption rates are higher, and why active duty members consume energy drinks at higher rates than non-active duty members. Your participation in this survey may help provide answers to these questions. To complete the survey, follow the link below. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/USAF_Energy_Drink_Consumption_Survey For questions or concerns, contact Col. Lynne Taylor at DSN 226-8002 or lynne.taylor@lakenheath.af.mil, or Maj. Nicholas Milazzo at DSN 799-7264 or nicholas.milazzo@us.af.mil.