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Increased consumption of energy drinks may pose danger to public health, especially among young people, warns a new study.

Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that contain caffeine, vitamins and other ingredients. They are often marketed as boosting energy and increasing physical and mental performance.

In the new study, researchers reviewed the literature on the health risks, consequences and policies related to energy drink consumption.

"From a review of the literature, it would appear that concerns in the scientific community and among the public regarding the potential adverse health effects of the increased consumption of energy drinks are broadly valid," authors wrote in the study.

The study noted that part of the risks of energy drinks are due to high levels of caffeine. Unlike coffee, energy drinks can be drunk quickly which increases the chances of caffeine intoxication. 

A study by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that 70 percent of young adults, who drink energy mix them with alcohol. The process, evidently, is more risky than drinking alcohol only, which might be because these drinks make it harder for people to notice when they are getting drunk. 

"As energy drink sales are rarely regulated by age, unlike alcohol and tobacco, and there is a proven potential negative effect on children, there is the potential for a significant public health problem in the future," the authors concluded.

The study was published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Public Health.