Relaxation drinks and their use in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

A new class of beverages called relaxation drinks advertises calming effects and an easy way to wind down when life gets stressful. This article examines these drinks in the context of their use in adolescents.

METHODS

A review of the literature relevant to relaxation drinks and their functional ingredients was conducted.

RESULTS

The beverages contain ingredients such as melatonin, valerian, kava, tryptophan, and other products traditionally thought to play a role in sleep, sedation, or neurocognitive function. Studies of the efficacy and safety of these supplements are limited and many have significant methodological limitations. Despite appropriate warnings placed on the labels of relaxation drinks, marketing is cleverly designed to appeal to young consumers and often evokes the experiences produced by alcohol and drug use.

CONCLUSION

Although moderate consumption of these beverages by healthy individuals is likely safe, an objective reduction in stress is improbable and associated adverse effects are possible.