Abstract
BackgroundThe present study evaluates the effects of energy drinks on the reproductive and biochemical parameters of adult male rats.MethodsA 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 aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, and creatine kinase MB fraction were measured, in addition to total cholesterol and testosterone.ResultsThere was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the concentration of sperm in the treated groups (DT1 8.5 ± 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.ConclusionThe 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.
Highlights
The present study evaluates the effects of energy drinks on the reproductive and biochemical parameters of adult male rats
Knowing the composition of energy drinks and the fact that they contain psychoactive substances with highly stimulating properties, an important factor to consider is the question of caffeine concentrations, which can vary between 50 mg per 250 mL can and 505 mg per 1 L bottle, which may result in poisoning or even overdose [4]
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of energy drinks on hepatic, cardiac, and renal functions, as well as on sperm parameters of male Wistar rats
Summary
The present study evaluates the effects of energy drinks on the reproductive and biochemical parameters of adult male rats. The consumption of energy drinks has increased worldwide, since their appearance on the market in 1987 Their purpose is to increase the physical stamina, promote faster responses, and higher mental concentration of the organism, diminishing sleep needs and keeping the body in a state of alert [1, 2]. Carbohydrates provide nutrients for energy, and caffeine stimulates the central nervous system [1] These drinks eliminate the signs of tiredness produced naturally by the body, and because of this feature, many people choose to use them to allow them to increase their workload or improve their performance. In addition to poisoning by caffeine, the consumption of energy drinks has been
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