Effect of Energy Drinks (3 Brands) Consumption on Oxidative Stress Parameters in Wistar Rats Exposed to Stress

Energy drinks (EDs) are widely consumed beverages containing high doses of caffeine and metabolic stimulants. This study investigated the effects of three brands of energy drinks on oxidative stress parameters in Wistar rats exposed to stress. Thirty adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Groups 1: (control group) was sub-divided into two groups of three animals each (positive and negative); the positive control were given food and distilled water and exposed to heat stress, negative control received food and distilled water only. Group II, III and IV: 3 ml/kg of body weight dosage of the energy drinks was administered orally (Climax, Power Horse, and Monster) respectively, two times daily for three weeks. Group V: 0.1 ml/kg of the epinephrine (standard drug) was administered intraperitoneally, twice daily for three weeks. All groups except the negative control were exposed to heat stress daily for 10 minutes for a period of 3 weeks (one group after the other). Oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GSH) were analyzed using standard spectrophotometric methods. Significant decreases were observed in MDA levels across heat-exposed, Climax-treated, Monster-treated, and epinephrine-treated groups (p<0.05). CAT activity significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared to controls (p<0.05). Power Horse treatment significantly increased SOD levels (66.66±10.39 U/mL) compared to controls (43.33±2.72 U/mL; p<0.05). GSH levels significantly increased across all treatment groups (p<0.05). The most pronounced alterations occurred in the Power Horse-treated group. Energy drink consumption induces significant alterations in oxidative stress parameters, particularly elevating SOD levels. Further investigation should be carried out to highlight potential health risks associated with chronic energy drink consumption.

Energy drinks, oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase

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