EFFECT OF CAFFEINATED DRINKS ON THE BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF ALBINO RAT

ABSTRACT Energy drinks (EDs) are carbonated beverages that contain stimulating substances such as caffeine, taurine or guarana in combination with sugar, vitamin B12 and minerals (Mahoney, 2019). The worldwide consumption of these drinks increased dramatically over the last decade because they have been marketed as a way to improve alertness and to reduce fatigue among adolescent and adults (Heckman et al., 2010). Negative health effects of short and long term consumption of EDs have been reported as aggressive behavior, low academic achievement, headache, irritation, tiredness and dissatisfaction to sleep. The aim of the study is to conduct a study on the effect of caffeinated drinks on the biochemical parameters of Albino rat. The brand of energy drinks used in the present study was “Fearless and Predator”, It was purchased from a local store in Saki West Local Government, Oyo State. Thirty Five (35) adult albino rats (mean weight = 115.5g) were kept in the Animal House. The rats were acclimatized under a 12h/12h light/dark photoperiod and under normal, healthy laboratory conditions at a mean temperature of 25 ± 2 °C. The experiments were carried out in line with the recommendations of International Laboratory Animal Use and Care. The serum chemistry analysis revealed total protein (TP) levels among the rats ranging from 6.5 g/dL to 8.8 g/dL . The Fearless group exhibited higher total protein concentrations, peaking at 8.8 g/dL , suggesting enhanced protein synthesis or retention in the bloodstream, potentially indicating hyperproteinemia (Bishop et al., 2018). In contrast, the Control group showed lower total protein levels, particularly in FB1 at 6.5 g/dL, which may reflect poorer dietary intake or absorption. Further studies are recommended to observe long term effects of energy drinks and their reversal with prolong duration. There should be check on free availability of these drinks as they are hazardous and their sale should be limited. Regarding amount of caffeine in energy drinks and their psychological dependence awareness programs are necessary. Sale of energy drinks should be banned especially in children and youngsters, legislations should be made by the government. Keywords: Energy drinks, Caffeine, Biochemical, Fearless, predator