Abstract
Increasing reports of anecdotal cases of acute adverse effects associated with the consumption of energy drink have been expressed by international bodies. This has necessitated the need to assess toxicological effects of Red Bull (RB) energy drink in this study. Eighteen adult rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 rabbits (3 males and 3 females). Rabbits in groups 1, 2 and 3 (control) received daily oral doses of 23.1 ml RB, 11.5 ml RB and water respectively for 21 days. Venous samples were collected on days 1 (baseline), 14, 21 and 28, and animals were sacrificed on days 21 and 28. Biochemical assessment of liver and renal functions, and muscle activity were carried out by spectrophotometry, in addition to haematological and histological studies. Mortality of 11.1% was recorded, involving 2 female rabbits in group 1. For male rabbits in this group, significant increase (p<0.05) in total protein (TP) concentration and in activity of ALT and ALP occurred on days 14 and 21, with significant decrease in platelet counts. For female rabbits in group 2, significant increases in TP concentration and ALT activity were observed with significant decrease in albumin concentration and AST activity. Apart from slight increase in ALP activity of female rabbits, there were no significant differences in mean values of all rabbit parameters measured in the control group. Histology of rabbits in group 1 showed congestion and balloon degeneration of hepatocytes. This result showed that administration of RB to rabbits at doses lower than the manufacturer’s recommended equivalent daily human intake of 500 ml caused adverse effects. There is need for caution in consumption of this drink.
Highlights
The term “energy drinks” has been used to encompass a category of beverages that have appeared in the European, North American and African markets in recent years
Apart from slight increase in Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity of female rabbits, there were no significant differences in mean values of all rabbit parameters measured in the control group
Safety concern over the consumption of energy drinks has continued to be raised by international bodies such as Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) of the European Food Safety Authority (SCF, 1999; SCF, 2003; EFSA 2009)
Summary
The term “energy drinks” has been used to encompass a category of beverages that have appeared in the European, North American and African markets in recent years These drinks contain stimulating substances such as caffeine, guarana, ginseng or other plant extracts, in combinations with other substances such as carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The expert committee established by the Ireland Food Safety Promotion Board (FSPB) adopted the term “stimulant drinks” for energy drinks and defined it as “beverages which typically contain caffeine, taurine and vitamin(s), and may contain an energy source (e.g. carbohydrates), and/or other substance(s), marketed for the specific purpose of providing real or perceived enhanced physiological and/or performance effects” (FSPB, 2003). Concerns have been raised about energy drinks in response to anecdotal cases of acute adverse effects requiring medical attention in young people consuming energy drinks, in most cases, in conjunction with alcohol and/or drugs used socially. The aim of this study is to assess the sub-acute toxicodynamic effects of oral Red Bull (RB) ‘energy’ drink on biochemical, haematological and histologic parameters of local strains of rabbits, in order to establish the safety of these ‘energy’ drinks for human consumption
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