RESUMEN: Antecedentes. Diversos estudios reportan un aumento sustancial en la Frecuencia de consumo de bebidas energizantes entre los estudiantes del area de la Salud. Objetivo. Evaluar la prevalencia y caracteristicas de consumo de bebidas energizantes en una muestra de estudiantes del area de la salud residentes en la ciudad de Tunja, Boyaca. Materiales y Metodos. Se diseno un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, se estimo una muestra de 12a sujetos y al final se incluyeron 134 en el estudio. Se aplico un instrumento previamente disenado y sometido a prueba piloto para caracterizar la frecuencia y patrones de consumo, conocimientos y actitud frente a las bebidas energizantes. Resultados. La prevalencia de consumo igual o superior a dos veces por mes en el ultimo semestre fue 53,7%, la principal motivacion para el consumo fue el interes por mejorar el desempeno academico y vencer el sueno. 15% Reconocio el uso combinado de bebidas energizantes con alcohol y en 21,64% hubo presencia de efectos colaterales no deseados, entre ellas manifestaciones de tipo cardio vascular y afectacion del Sistema Nervioso Central como palpitaciones, insomnio y agotamiento. Conclusion. Se evidencia una elevada prevalencia de consumo habitual de Bebidas energizantes, lo que lleva a sugerir a las autoridades academicas y sanitarias que se profundice el analisis de este fenomeno y se disenen estrategias de intervencion que permitan disminuir los riesgos derivados del consumo indiscriminado asi como de la mezcla de bebidas energizantes con alcohol. . PALABRAS CLAVE: Cafeina, Toxicidad, bebidas alcoholicas, salud del adolescente (DeCS) ABSTRACT Background. Several studies report a substantial increase in the frequency of consumption of energy drinks among health students. Objective. To assess the prevalence and characterize the consumption of energy drinks in a sample of health students residents in the city of Tunja, Boyaca. Materials and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed, a sample of subjects was estimated in 121 subjects, and finally 134 were included in the study. there was applied an instrument previously designed and subjected to pilot test, to characterize frequency, consumption patterns, knowledge and attitude about energy drinks. Results. The prevalence of consumption equal to or greater than twice a month, in the last six months was 53.7%, the main motivation for consumption was the interest in improving academic performance and overcome sleep. 15% recognized the combined use of energy drinks and alcohol, It was reported unwanted side effects in 21.64% of subjects, including cardio vascular and central nervous system manifestations, such as palpitations, insomnia and exhaustion. Conclusion. A high prevalence of regular consumption of energy drinks was demonstrated. Then, is suggested to lead by academic and health authorities deepen in the analysis of this phenomenon and to design intervention strategies that may decrease the risks of indiscriminate consumption and the mix of energy drinks with alcoholic substances. KEYWORDS: Caffeine, Toxicity, alcoholic beverages, adolescent health. (DeCS)