Qualitative and quantitative analysis of energy drinks using 1H NMR and HPLC methods.

Energy drinks (EDs) are widely consumed to stimulate psychomotor functions and improve the efficiency of the human body. They typically contain caffeine, taurine, sugars or sweeteners, vitamins and organic acids. EDs were selected for the study in terms of composition diversity, reflecting the variety of products available on the Polish market. The analysis of the composition of energy drinks was performed using 1H NMR spectroscopy, HPLC-DAD, titration and refractometric methods. Diagnostic signals in 1H NMR spectra of the citric acid, caffeine and niacinamide were used for quantitative analysis. The citric acid content in energy drinks ranged from 140 to 780 mg per 100 mL. The niacinamide content in the tested energy drinks varied from 3.4 to 9.7 mg per 100 mL and was usually higher than it was reported on the label. The amount of caffeine (from 19 to 40 mg) was slightly lower than labeled. Quantitative determinations by 1H NMR and HPLC are compatible and can be successfully used interchangeably. In the so-called "sugar-free" drinks, no simple sugars or sucrose were found, thus 1H NMR can easily and quickly recognize ED without the addition of sugar. Our studies showed that 1H NMR spectroscopy is a valuable tool for quality control of energy drinks.

Electrochemical sensor based on Ni-exchanged natural zeolite/carbon black hybrid nanocomposite for determination of vitamin B6.

The utilization of environmentally friendly nanoporous natural zeolite exchanged with Ni2+ ions (NiZ) and conductive carbon black (CB) in the fabrication of a novel and selective voltammetric sensor of vitamin B6 (VB6) is presented. The used clinoptilolite-rich zeolite material and CB were characterized in terms of morphology and textural properties. The superior properties of Ni-zeolite/carbon black modified glassy carbon electrode (NiZCB-GCE), arising from the synergistic effect of combining the unique features of zeolite and conductive carbon black, were confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. In the determination of VB6 with the use of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the optimization of the pH value of supporting electrolyte and instrumental parameters, as well as the interference study were performed. Under optimized conditions, the oxidation peak current at the potential +0.72 V vs. Ag | AgCl | 3 M KCl reference electrode was linear to the VB6 concentration in the range 0.050 to 1.0 mg L-1 (0.30-5.9 µmol L-1) (R = 0.9993). The calculated limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3), equal to 15 µg L-1 (0.09 µmol L-1), was much better compared to chemically modified electrodes with other carbon-based materials. The RSD for 0.5 mg L-1 was in the range 2.5-5.4% (n = 4). The developed NiZCB-GCE was successfully applied to the determination of VB6 in commercially available multivitamin dietary supplements, food, and water samples. The obtained recoveries ranged from 95 to 106%.

Assessment of caffeine intake with food by Polish females and males.

Background: Caffeine is the most widespread psychoactive substance in the world. With long-term consumption of caffeinated beverages, there is a high probability of overtaking on caffeine. Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the consumption of caffeine in the daily caffeine intake of Polish consumers, determine the caffeinated products in the intake of this substance. Materials and methods: The survey was completed by 433 respondents living in Poland. The research tool was the electronic questionnaire, which consisted of: a) questions about personal data and measurement anthropometric and the level of physical activity and smoking; b) questions regarding the portion size and frequency of consumption of coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, energy drinks and colacarbonated beverages. Results: The main sources of caffeine in the respondents' diet include: coffee (Me 43.64 mg/d) and tea (Me 37.60 mg/d). Approximately 20% of respondents exceeded the threshold of daily caffeine intake (safety level for children and adolescents up to 3 mg/kg b.w, for adults up to 5.7 mg/kg b.w), considered safe. Conclusions: Respondents who have crossed the safe dose of caffeine intake, should limit the consumption of products being its main source (coffee).

In Vivo and In Vitro Assays Evaluating the Biological Activity of Taurine, Glucose and Energetic Beverages.

Taurine is one of the main ingredients used in energy drinks which are highly consumed in adolescents for their sugary taste and stimulating effect. With energy drinks becoming a worldwide phenomenon, the biological effects of these beverages must be evaluated in order to fully comprehend the potential impact of these products on the health due to the fact nutrition is closely related to science since the population consumes food to prevent certain diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of taurine, glucose, classic Red Bull® and sugar-free Red Bull® in order to check the food safety and the nutraceutical potential of these compounds, characterising different endpoints: (i) Toxicology, antitoxicology, genotoxicology and life expectancy assays were performed in the Drosophila melanogaster model organism; (ii) The in vitro chemopreventive activity of testing compounds was determined by assessing their cytotoxicity, the proapoptotic DNA-damage capability to induce internucleosomal fragmentation, the strand breaks activity and the modulator role on the methylation status of genomic repetitive sequences of HL-60 promyelocytic cells. Whereas none tested compounds showed toxic or genotoxic effect, all tested compounds exerted antitoxic and antigenotoxic activity in Drosophila. Glucose, classic Red Bull® and sugar-free Red Bull® were cytotoxic in HL-60 cell line. Classic Red Bull® induced DNA internucleosomal fragmentation although none of them exhibited DNA damage on human leukaemia cells. In conclusion, the tested compounds are safe on Drosophila melanogaster and classic Red Bull® could overall possess nutraceutical potential in the in vivo and in vitro model used in this study. Besides, taurine could holistically be one of the bioactive compounds responsible for the biological activity of classic Red Bull®.

Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy and Neonatal Anthropometric Parameters.

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that may affect the normal course of pregnancy, therefore its intake during that time should not exceed 200 mg/day. The aim of this study was to evaluate caffeine intake among pregnant women from the Warsaw region. The study was conducted among 100 pregnant women who delivered at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncology, Medical University of Warsaw. Caffeine intake from coffee, tea, and energy drinks was measured using a questionnaire. Direct interviewing was used, with all interviews conducted by the same dietitian. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between caffeine intake and anthropometric measurements of the newborns. Mean caffeine intake among pregnant women was 68 ± 51 mg/day. Only 2% of the respondents exceeded the safe dose of 200 mg. Tea (mostly black) was the source of 63% of all caffeine. No relationships were found between caffeine intake and neonatal weight, length, or head and chest circumference (p > 0.05). Caffeine intake in our study population was relatively low and did not negatively affect fetal growth.

Avaliação comparativa entre diferentes modalidades de reposição hidroeletrolítica em equinos desidratados experimentalmente pela utilização de parâmetros do exame físico e marcadores hematológicos / Comparative evaluation between different kinds of hydroeletrolitic reposition in horses experimentally dehydrated by the use of physical examination parameters and hematological markers

O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar a comparação entre três modalidades de terapias hidroeletrolíticas, sendo umahipotônica (SeHIPO) e outra isotônica (SeISO), ambas por via enteral em fluxo contínuo (HETfc), com a solução de ringer lactatopor via intravenosa (RL IV), na taxa de infusão de 15 ml/kg/h, administradas simultaneamente em tempo real por 8 horas numdelineamento crossover 6X3 em equinos desidratados experimentalmente pela utilização de parâmetros clínicos do exame físicoe de alguns exames laboratoriais. Para tanto foram utilizadas 6 éguas adultas da raça Brasileiro de Hipismo submetidas a umprotocolo experimental de indução de desidratação (PD) e posteriormente tratadas de acordo com o delineamento experimental.Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que ambos os tratamentos HETfc demonstraram eficácia equivalente ao RL IV na reversãodos efeitos determinados pelo PD, ainda que para os marcadores da volemia, tais como o Volume Globular (VG), ProteínasPlasmáticas Totais (PPT) e porcentagem de Volume Plasmático (%VP) tenham sido relativamente mais lentos. Porém, para osdemais marcadores clínicos a eficácia entre as três terapias estudadas foi equivalente. Esses resultados comprovam a ação dasterapias HETfc ao serem comparadas ao tratamento RL IV, pela utilização dos marcadores clínicos e laboratoriais utilizados, ejustificam a indicação e utilização dessas modalidades terapêuticas em equinos.

The objective of the present study was to compare three modalities of hydroelectrolytic therapies, one hypotonic (SeHIPO) andanother isotonic (SeISO), both by continuous enteral flow (HETfc), with intravenous lactated ringer solution ( RL IV), at the infusionrate of 15 ml / kg / h, administered simultaneously in real time for 8 hours in a 6X3 crossover design in horses experimentallydehydrated by the use of clinical parameters of the physical examination and some laboratory tests. Six adult mares of the BrazilianEquestrian race were submitted to an experimental protocol for induction of dehydration (PD) and later treated according to theexperimental design. The results showed that both HETfc treatments demonstrated an efficacy equivalent to RL IV in the reversalof the effects determined by PD, although for volume markers such as Globular Volume (VG), Total Plasma Proteins (PPT) andPercentage of Plasmatic Volume (% VP) were relatively slower. However, for the other clinical markers the efficacy among thethree therapies studied was equivalent. These results confirm the action of HETfc therapies when compared to RL IV treatment,by the clinical and laboratorial markes used, and justify the indication and use of these therapeutic modalities in horses.

Erosive potential of sports beverages on human enamel "in vitro" / Potencial erosivo de bebidas esportivas no esmalte humano "in vitro" / Potencial erosivo de bebidas deportivas en el esmalte humano "in vitro"

INTRODUCTION: The low pH of sports drinks may cause tooth enamel demineralization. Objective: To measure Vickers hardness of human enamel exposed to sports drinks. METHODS: Human molars were used to collect the enamel samples. Each sample had a test surface (exposed to the drinks) and a control surface (unexposed). The samples were exposed to isotonic drinks Gatorade and Powerade, and to maltodextrin drinks Malto Advanced and Malto Active, for 10 minutes every 12 hours over 30 days. The Vickers microhardness test was conducted with three indentations on each surface. The mean of the indentations within each group was considered in the statistical analysis. Sports drinks variables were analyzed with ANOVA/Tukey (p≤0.01). The independent t-test was used in the comparison between the control and test surfaces of each drink (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Enamel exposure to Gatorade (p = 0.000) Malto Advanced (p = 0.000) and Malto Active (p = 0.000) was seen to significantly reduce microhardness, while the isotonic drink Powerade had no significant effect on enamel (p = 0.248). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that with the exception of the isotonic drink Powerade, all the sports drinks tested caused a reduction in the microhardness of human enamel. Evidence Level III; Therapeutic studies - Investigating the Results of Treatment.

INTRODUÇÃO: O baixo pH de bebidas esportivas pode promover perda mineral do esmalte dental. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a microdureza Vickers do esmalte humano exposto a bebidas esportivas. MÉTODOS: Dentes molares humanos foram usados para coletar as amostras de esmalte. Cada amostra apresentou uma superfície de teste (exposta às bebidas) e uma superfície de controle (não exposta). As amostras foram expostas aos isotônicos Gatorade e Powerade e às maltodextrinas Advanced Series e Malto Active durante 10 minutos de 12/12 horas, durante 30 dias. O teste de microdureza Vickers foi realizado com três indentações em cada superfície. Na análise estatística, foi considerada a média das indentações dentro de cada grupo. As variáveis bebidas esportivas foram avaliadas com ANOVA/Tukey (p ≤ 0,01). Na comparação entre a superfície controle e teste de cada bebida foi utilizado o Teste t para amostras independentes (p ≤ 0,05). RESULTADO: Observou-se que a exposição do esmalte a Gatorade (p = 0,000), Malto Advanced (p = 0,000) e Malto Active (p = 0,000) reduz significativamente a microdureza, enquanto que o isotônico Powerade não produziu efeito significativo sobre o esmalte (p = 0,248). CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que com exceção do isotônico Powerade, todas as bebidas esportivas testadas provocaram redução na microdureza do esmalte dental humano. Nível de Evidência III; Estudos terapêuticos ­ investiga o resultado de um tratamento.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El bajo pH de bebidas deportivas puede favorecer la pérdida mineral del esmalte dental. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el esmalte dureza Vickers humano expuesto a las bebidas deportivas. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron los dientes molares para la toma de las muestras de esmalte. Cada muestra tenía una superficie de prueba (expuestos a las bebidas) y una superficie de control (no ex-puesta). Las muestras fueron expuestas en isotónica Gatorade y Powerade, y maltodextrinas, y la serie Advanced activo Malto durante 10 minutos 12/12 horas durante 30 días. La prueba de dureza Vickers se realizó con tres muescas en cada superficie. El análisis estadístico fue la media de las muescas dentro de cada grupo. variables de bebidas deportivas se analizaron con ANOVA / Tukey (p≤0,01). La comparación entre la superficie de control y prueba de cada bebida se utilizó la prueba t para muestras independientes (p ≤ 0,05). RESULTADOS: Se observó que la exposición del esmalte Gatorade (p = 0,000) Malto avanzada (p = 0,000) y Malto activo (p = 0,000) reduce significativamente la dureza, mientras que Powerade isotónica ningún efecto significativo sobre el esmalte (p = 0,248). CONCLUSIÓN: Se concluye que con la excepción de Powerade isotónica, todas las bebidas deportivas probados causó una reducción en la dureza del esmalte humano. Nivel de Evidencia; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamento.

Energy drinks and their component modulate attention, memory, and antioxidant defences in rats.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the subchronic consumption of energy drinks and their constituents (caffeine and taurine) in male Wistar rats using behavioural and oxidative measures. METHODS: Energy drinks (ED 5, 7.5, and 10 mL/kg) or their constituents, caffeine (3.2 mg/kg) and taurine (40 mg/kg), either separately or in combination, were administered orally to animals for 28 days. Attention was measured though the ox-maze apparatus and the object recognition memory test. Following behavioural analyses, markers of oxidative stress, including SOD, CAT, GPx, thiol content, and free radicals, were measured in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. RESULTS: The latency time to find the first reward was lower in animals that received caffeine, taurine, or a combination of both (P = 0.003; ANOVA/Bonferroni). In addition, these animals took less time to complete the ox-maze task (P = 0.0001; ANOVA/Bonferroni), and had better short-term memory (P < 0.01, Kruskal-Wallis). The ED 10 group showed improvement in the attention task, but did not differ on other measures. In addition, there was an imbalance in enzymatic markers of oxidative stress in the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the striatum. In the group that received both caffeine and taurine, there was a significant increase in the production of free radicals in the prefrontal cortex and in the hippocampus (P < 0.0001; ANOVA/Bonferroni). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to a combination of caffeine and taurine improved memory and attention, and led to an imbalance in the antioxidant defence system. These results differed from those of the group that was exposed to the energy drink. This might be related to other components contained in the energy drink, such as vitamins and minerals, which may have altered the ability of caffeine and taurine to modulate memory and attention.

Effects of energy drinks on biochemical and sperm parameters in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND: The present study evaluates the effects of energy drinks on the reproductive and biochemical parameters of adult male rats. METHODS: A total of 40 male rats (Wistar) were exposed to an energy drink mixed with the drinking water for a period of 120 days. The animals were divided into four groups and exposed to increasing therapeutic doses (DT) of an energy drink, based on allometric extrapolation, resulting in values (mL/day) per animal of 250 g: DT1 2.36 mL, DT3 7.47 mL, and DT6 14.16 mL. The control group (CTRL) consumed water only. During the treatment, the rats were assessed for signs of toxicity. After treatment, the animals were sacrificed and their organs were weighed. Sperm parameters (motility, concentration, and morphology) were evaluated. The biochemical markers alanine eamino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, and creatine kinase MB fraction were measured, in addition to total cholesterol and testosterone. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease (p< 0.05) in the concentration of sperm in the treated groups (DT18.5 ± 0.7; DT3 7.2 ± 0.9; DT6 8.4 ± 0.9) compared to the control group (12.3 ± 1.2). No difference was observed with respect to relative weights of the animals'organs, water consumption, signs of toxicity, behavioral changes, biochemical markers, and sperm motility and morphology. CONCLUSION: The long-term consumption of energy drinks interferes negatively with sperm concentration, without affecting sperm motility and morphology or altering the hepatic, cardiac, or renal functions

Caffeine Concentrations in Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, and Energy Drink Flavored E-liquids.

INTRODUCTION: Most electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) contain a solution of propylene glycol/glycerin and nicotine, as well as flavors. E-cigarettes and their associated e-liquids are available in numerous flavor varieties. A subset of the flavor varieties include coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drink, which, in beverage form, are commonly recognized sources of caffeine. Recently, some manufacturers have begun marketing e-liquid products as energy enhancers that contain caffeine as an additive. METHODS: A Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the quantitation of caffeine in e-liquids was developed, optimized and validated. The method was then applied to assess caffeine concentrations in 44 flavored e-liquids from cartridges, disposables, and refill solutions. Products chosen were flavors traditionally associated with caffeine (ie, coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drink), marketed as energy boosters, or labeled as caffeine-containing by the manufacturer. RESULTS: Caffeine was detected in 42% of coffee-flavored products, 66% of tea-flavored products, and 50% of chocolate-flavored e-liquids (limit of detection [LOD] - 0.04 µg/g). Detectable caffeine concentrations ranged from 3.3 µg/g to 703 µg/g. Energy drink-flavored products did not contain detectable concentrations of caffeine. Eleven of 12 products marketed as energy enhancers contained caffeine, though in widely varying concentrations (31.7 µg/g to 9290 µg/g). CONCLUSIONS: E-liquid flavors commonly associated with caffeine content like coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drink often contained caffeine, but at concentrations significantly lower than their dietary counterparts. Estimated daily exposures from all e-cigarette products containing caffeine were much less than ingestion of traditional caffeinated beverages like coffee. IMPLICATIONS: This study presents an optimized and validated method for the measurement of caffeine in e-liquids. The method is applicable to all e-liquid matrices and could potentially be used to ensure regulatory compliance for those geographic regions that forbid caffeine in e-cigarette products. The application of the method shows that caffeine concentrations and estimated total caffeine exposure from e-cigarette products is significantly lower than oral intake from beverages. However, because very little is known about the effects of caffeine inhalation, e-cigarette users should proceed with caution when using caffeine containing e-cigarette products. Further research is necessary to determine associated effects from inhaling caffeine.

Bebidas energizantes: efectos benéficos y perjudiciales para la salud / Energy drinks: beneficial and harmful effects on health

Antecedentes: las bebidas energizantes se promueven como curas milagrosas contra el cansancio, lo cual ha logrado que su consumo se incremente progresivamente. Objetivo: revisar el estado actual del conocimiento respecto a las bebidas energizantes y sus componentes, particularmente sus efectos benéficos y adversos. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica abierta en las bases de datos Science Direct, Scielo, Medline y Pubmed utilizando diferentes combinaciones de los siguientes descriptores: energy drinks, marketing, caffeine, taurine, glucose, guarana, xantine, vitamins, pharmacology, heart rate, cognition, natural product, decision-making. Resultados: aunque no se conocen con claridad todos los componentes y sus concentraciones en las bebidas energizantes comercializadas, algunos de los componentes más comunes, tales como la cafeína y la taurina, tienen efectos adversos demostrados. Conclusión: no existen estudios concluyentes que demuestren los efectos benéficos de las bebidas energizantes, pero si existe suficiente evidencia de los efectos adversos de algunos de sus componentes más comunes. Son necesarios más estudios para determinar con certeza la seguridad de las bebidas energizantes, las cuales poseen un potencial tóxico considerable, que no es informado debidamente al consumidor.

Background: Energy drinks are promoted as solutions to prevent tiredness, which has caused that their consumption increased progressively. Objective: To review the current state of knowledge regarding energy drinks and their components, particularly the beneficial and adverse effects. Materials and methods: A broad search was performed in Science Direct, SciELO, Medline and Pubmed databases, employing different combinations of the following descriptors: energy drinks, marketing, caffeine, taurine, glucose, guarana, xantine, vitamins, pharmacology, heart rate, cognition, natural product, decision-making. Results: Although the commercial energy drink components and their concentrations are not clearly determined, there is not enough evidence to support the adverse effects of some of their most common components as caffeine and taurine. Conclusion: There are no conclusive studies to support beneficial effects of energy drinks, but instead there is enough evidence about the adverse effects of some of the most common components of these beverages. Many more studies are needed to determine the safety of energy drinks, which have a considerable toxic potential not adequately informed to the consumer.

Capacidad buffer de la saliva en presencia de bebidas energéticas comercializadas en Chile, estudio in vitro / In vitro study of the buffering capacity of saliva in the presence of energy drinks sold in Chile

OBJETIVO Determinar la capacidad buffer de la saliva al ser añadida a distintas bebidas energéticas comercializadas en Chile, mediante mediciones de pH in vitro. MÉTODOS Fue requerida la participación de 3 pacientes jóvenes sistémicamente sanos, sin enfermedad de las glándulas salivales. Las muestras de saliva estimulada fueron obtenidas de cada paciente, las cuales fueron mezcladas y almacenadas en una sola muestra. Se seleccionaron 13 bebidas energéticas comercializadas a nivel nacional. Un total de 5 mL de cada bebida energética se distribuyó en 4 tubos Falcon. Se midió el pH de cada una de las bebidas energéticas, de la saliva y del agua potable. Se añadió 1 mL de agua potable al tubo Falcon número 1 y 1 mL de saliva a los 3 tubos restantes, cada 3 min hasta completar 13 mL de solución en cada uno (38% vol./vol.). Las mediciones de pH fueron realizadas en cada 1 mL añadido (saliva/agua), para permitir al ph-metro registrar de manera correcta. RESULTADOS Los rangos de pH para las bebidas energéticas van desde pH 2,42 ± 0,008 (Battery Gingered®), hasta pH 3,44 ± 0,005 (Battery Sugar Free®). La saliva en promedio tuvo un valor de pH 7,99 y el agua potable de 7,05. La bebida que más logró aumentar el pH, luego de agregar la saliva, fue la bebida Speed® que llegó a un valor de pH 4,38, mientras la que logró menos fue la bebida Quick Energy®, con un valor de pH 3,37. CONCLUSIÓN La capacidad buffer de la saliva logró aumentar entre 17 y 54% el pH de las bebidas energéticas analizadas en este estudio. Sin embargo, no pudo neutralizar los bajos niveles de pH de estas bebidas más allá de un pH final de 4,38, que es crítico para la estructura dentaria.

OBJECTIVE To determine, using in vitro pH measurements, the buffering capacity of saliva when added to different energy drinks sold in Chile. METHOD The participation of 3 young and systemically healthy patients, with no diseases of the saliva glands, was obtained. Samples of stimulated saliva where obtained from each patient and then mixed and stored as one sample. The study used 13 energy drinks sold nationwide, with 5 mL of each one being distributed into 4 Falcon tubes. The pH of each of the energy drinks, the saliva sample, and drinking water was measured. 1 mL of drinking water was added into Falcon tube number 1, and 1 mL of saliva into the 3 remaining every 3 min until completing 13 mL of solution in each one (38% vol./vol.). The pH measurements where performed upon adding each 1 mL (saliva/water) to allow the pH meter to correctly register the data. RESULTS The pH levels for energy drinks range between pH 2.42 ± 0.008 (Battery Gingered®), to pH 3.44 ± 0.005 (Battery Sugar Free®). The saliva had a mean pH value of 7.99, and 7.05 for drinkable water. The energy drink that achieved a higher increase in pH level was Speed®, reaching a value of pH 4.38, while the energy drink that increased the pH level the least was Quick Energy®, only reaching a pH of 3.37. CONCLUSION The buffering capacity of saliva managed to increase the pH level of energy drinks analyzed in this study between 17 and 54%. However, saliva was unable to neutralize further than 4.38 the low levels of pH in these drinks, thus being critical to dental structure.

Grado de acidez y potencial erosivo de las bebidas energizantes disponibles en Chile / Acidity and erosive potential of energy drinks available in Chile

Desde hace una década están disponibles en el mercado nacional, tanto bebidas como otros productos energéticos. Su popularidad ha ido en aumento, sin embargo su consumo no está exento de riesgos. La cafeína es el ingrediente activo principal de estas bebidas y el consumo excesivo puede llegar a causar alteraciones en la salud general. Mucha gente las bebe a diario sin estar consciente del daño potencial que puede significar para su salud y sus dientes, especialmente en el caso de niños y adolescentes. En Chile, la acidez de estas bebidas es desconocida. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el pH de las bebidas energéticas presentes en el mercado chileno, estableciendo su potencial erosivo sobre los dientes. Metodología: La muestra quedó formada por 8 diferentes bebidas energéticas disponibles en Chile. El pH fue evaluado con un pHmetro calibrado (microprocessor pH to put AOKTON, pH/Ion 510) a 4°C y 17°C. Los resultados obtenidos fueron registrados y analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: El rango de pH osciló entre 2.57 (Kem Xtreme) y 3.30 (Red Bull). El promedio fue 2.88 a 4°C y 2.89 a 17°C. Conclusiones: Todas las muestras estudiadas tuvieron pH ácido, haciendo de ellas bebidas potencialmente erosivas para los dientes. Los valores de pH fueron menores a 4°C que a 17°C, pero sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p>0.05).

For a decade, energy drinks and other energy products have been available in the national market, and their popularity has increased. The consumption is not risk free, though. Caffeine is the main active ingredient in these drinks and an excessive consumption may be dangerous for general health. Many people drink them daily without being aware of the potential risk they pose on their health and teeth, especially on children and adolescents. Currently, the acidity of those beverages is unknown in Chile. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the pH of energy drinks, and correlate it with their erosive potential on teeth. Methodology: 8 different energy drinks available in Chile constituted the sample. pH was measured with a calibrated digital pHmeter (microprocessor pH to put AOKTON, pH / Ion 510) at 4°C and 17°C. The results obtained were registered and statistically analyzed. Results: pH values ranged from 2.57 (Kem Xtreme) to 3.30 (Red Bull) the mean pH was 2.88 and 2.89, at 4°C and 17°C respectively. Conclusions: All of the beverages showed low pH, which makes them potentially erosive for hard dental tissue. The pH values were lower at 4°C than at 17°C, but without statistical significance (p>0.05).

Antioxidant and anti-fatigue effects of anthocyanins of mulberry juice purification (MJP) and mulberry marc purification (MMP) from different varieties mulberry fruit in China.

Anthocyanins, copiously distributed in a variety of colored fruits and vegetables, are probably the most important group of visible plant pigments besides chlorophyll. And the mulberry fruit is one of the anthocyanins-rich fruits. Total flavonols, total phenolic acids and anthocyanins contents of ten varieties mulberry juice purification (MJP) and mulberry marc purification (MMP) were determined. The highest content was 965.63±4.90 mg RE/g, 690.83±7.38 mg GAE/g and 272.00±1.20 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/g FW, respectively. Moreover, MJP and MMP exhibited high antioxidant activity, including total force reduction (TRP), Fe³âº reducing power (FRAP) and DPPH • radical scavenging capacity. In addition, the anti-fatigue activity of MJP and MMP was determined through mice-burden swimming experiments. Interestingly, the antioxidant and anti-fatigue capacities of MMP were much higher than those of MJP. The experimental results suggested that the generally discarded mulberry marc had greater value of development and utilization as food processing waste.

Caffeine use among active duty US Army soldiers.

Eighty-percent of the US adult population regularly consumes caffeine, but limited information is available on the extent and patterns of use. Caffeine use is a public health issue and its risks and benefits are regularly considered in scientific literature and the lay media. Recently, new caffeine-containing products have been introduced and are widely available on Army bases and are added to rations to maintain cognitive performance. This study surveyed caffeine consumption and demographic characteristics in 990 US Army soldiers. Data were weighted by age, sex, rank, and Special Forces status. Total caffeine intake and intake from specific products were estimated. Logistic regression was used to examine relationships between caffeine use and soldier demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Eighty-two percent of soldiers consumed caffeine at least once a week. Mean daily caffeine consumption was 285 mg/day (347 mg/day among regular caffeine consumers). Male soldiers consumed, on average, 303 mg/day and females 163 mg/day (regular consumers: 365 mg/day for male soldiers, 216 mg/day for female soldiers). Coffee was the main source of caffeine intake. Among young males, energy drinks were the largest source of caffeine intake, but their intake was not greater than older males. Regression analysis indicated an association of higher caffeine intake with male sex, white race, and tobacco use (P<0.01). Most soldiers consume caffeine in levels accepted as safe, but some consume greater quantities than recommended, although definitive information on safe upper limits of caffeine intake is not available. Labels of caffeine-containing products should provide caffeine content so individuals can make informed decisions.