1.1 Introduction
Energy drinks refer to beverages that contain large doses of caffeine and other legal stimulants such as taurine, carbohydrates, glucuronolactone, inositol and panthenol which are considered as source of energy (Attila and Çakir, 2009). The consumption of readily available energy drinks has increased significantly with young adults forming the largest part of the consumers. History of energy drink dates back to 1987 when Red Bull was introduced in Austria. It became more popular in the 1990s following its introduction to the United States. Since then the sale of this drink has increased exponentially. In 2006, the energy drink market grew by 80% (Foran et al., 2011). This is because manufactures claim the drinks can boost energy levels as well as physical endurance, improve concentration and reaction speed (Van den Eynde et al., 2008).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In recent years, a number of different energy drinks have been introduced in the Nigerian market to provide an energy boost or as dietary supplements. These drinks are marketed specifically to children and young adults. These products have been used for various reasons. A survey conducted among college students shows that 67% of students admitted using energy drinks to cope with insufficient sleep, 65% mentioned increasing energy and 54% use it for fun at parties; 50% for studying or completing a major course project, 45% used it while driving a car for a long period of time and 17% for treating hangover (Malinauskas et al., 2007). These products have also been used to reduce the depressor effect of alcohol or even to gain social status (Ferreira et al., 2004; Kaminer, 2010).
Many energy drinks are promoted as being nutraceutical foods, boosting health, energy, or otherwise having sought-after benefits. There is some concern among health professionals that these beverages, and the drinking behaviours of the targeted consumers, may in fact have adverse health consequences. The most commonly reported adverse effects include insomnia, nervousness, headache, and tachycardia (Clauson et al., 2008). In a recent study, heavy consumption of energy drinks was attributed to new onset seizures in four patients (Iyadurai and Chung, 2007) and hospitalization of individuals with pre-existing mental illness (Chelben et al., 2008).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to assess the Chemical Components in Certain Energy Drinks.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of Chemical Components in Certain Energy Drinks which has led to;
- A lot of people suffering from diabetes as a result of excessive energy drink intake,
- Insufficient information relating to the Proximate Analysis of energy drink determination of moisture content,
- Inadequate analysis of microbiological content of energy drink.
- Insufficient bacteria isolation information centered for energy drink.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess some chemical components in certain energy drinks. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the caffeine and aspartame concentrations of the energy drinks;
- To determine the carbohydrate and sugar contents in energy drinks;
- To examine the physicochemical properties of energy drinks;
- To determine the level of heavy metals and macronutrient present in energy drinks; and
- To analyze and compare between the powdered and liquid forms of energy drinks using statistical analysis.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the caffeine and aspartame concentrations of the energy drinks?
- What are the carbohydrate and sugar contents in energy drinks?
- What are the physicochemical properties of energy drinks?
- What is the level of heavy metals and macronutrient present in energy drinks?
1.6 Significance of Study
The relevance of this research will be necessary to determine some other physicochemical properties of the energy drinks. Energy drinks have established an enviable position in the beverage market as evidenced by their commonplace consumption. There are a number of scientific reports on the adverse consequences of excessive consumption of these drinks.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Assessment of Some Chemical Components in Certain Energy Drinks.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
