Young adults may face risks from mixing energy drinks with alcohol – but research into the topic is dominated by funding from one company, it is claimed today.
According to Professor Peter Miller, 80% of researchers at a recent conference in Australia were backed by one company.
Writing for the BMJ, Professor Miller, of Deakin University, Australia, says only independent researchers raised concerns about the problem.
Professor Miller says studies may underplay the extent to which people are mixing energy drinks and alcohol.
He reports that “73% of US and 85% of Italian college students reported consuming energy drinks mixed with alcohol in the past month."
Professor Miller calls for conference organisers to ensure researchers declare funding and support they receive.
He says it is “critical that the public can be confident in the findings of research."
BMJ 13 September 2013 [abstract]
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