The Application of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Investigate the Effect of a Commercial Energy Drink

Abstract

Aims: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an imaging technique that provides non invasive, in - vivo measurement of brain biochemistry . The objective of this study was to explore the effects of a commercial energy drink (ED) on brain metabolites in adult males using MRS. Methods: Ten males (18 to 30 years), of mean body mass index 23.8±2.2 kg/m 2 [range 21.4 - 27.8 kg/m 2 ] were recruited and randomized to either the intervention group (n=5) or c ontrol group (n=5). The intervention group were asked to consume two 250ml cans of Red Bull and the control group consumed no drink. One dimensional MRS on a 1.5T Achieva MRI scanner was obtained of bi occipital gray matter. Subjects were placed in the sca nner and a spectrum acquired every 5.75 minutes for 60 minutes. L inear mixed models were generated to determine the main effects due to differences between groups and times and the interaction. Results: There was a significant group by time effect for N - a cetylaspartate ( NAA) ( P= .02, d= 0.7) and a statistical trend for macromolecule 20 (MM20) ( P= .06 d= 0.1 ) with the control group having higher concentrations than that of the intervention. Mean differences from baseline to 45 minutes for NAA in the interve ntion group were - 0.8 mM ( - 12%) compared with 0.15 mM (<1%) for control and for MM20 - 0.12 mM (<1%) in the intervention group compared with 0.03 mM (<1%) for control. Conclusions: Consumption of two cans of ED was found to produce few changes in br ain metabolites with moderate effect sizes. Changes detected in this study demonstrate the sensitivity