Emmanuel Ike Ugwuja
1*1 Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Ebonyi State University, P.M.B. 053 Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Abstract
Purpose: To
determine the biochemical effects of energy drink alone or its combination with
alcohol in normal albino rats. Methods: Twenty male albino rats
weighing 160-180g were assigned into groups A-E of four rats per group. Group A
and B rats were given low and high doses
of ED, respectively, groups C and D were administered low and high doses of EDmA, respectively while
group E rats were given distilled water and served as control. The treatment
lasted for 30 days after which the animals were killed and their blood
collected for laboratory analyses using standard methods. Results: There were no
significant differences in body weight, packed cell volume and haemoglobin
concentration with either administration of ED or EDmA in comparison to the
control. Energy drink alone or EDmA has significant effects on total white
blood cell count, plasma potassium, calcium, renal functions, liver enzymes and
plasma triglycerides, with EDmA having more effects than ED alone, except for
body weight where the energy drink alone has higher effect.
Conclusion: Consumption of energy drink alone or in
combination with alcohol is associated with significant alterations in some
biochemical parameters. Caution should be exercised while consuming either of
them. Public health education is urgently needed to correct the wrong impression
already formed by the unsuspecting consumers, especially the youths.