1.1 Introduction
According to Andrews et al., (2007), Caffeine is a most common ingredient of energy drinks. It is added as a flavouring agent and to make the drinks addictive (Andrews et al., 2007). Caffeine is a bitter in taste, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that acts as a psychoactive stimulant drug and a mild diuretic. Almost sixty plant species are known to contain caffeine (Palatini et al., 2009). Common sources of caffeine are the "bean" (seed) of the coffee plant; in the leaves of the tea bush; and in kola nuts. Some other sources include yaupon holly leaves, South American holly yerba mate leaves, seeds from Amazonian maple guarana berries (Nathanson, 1984). Columbia In 1819, the German chemist Friedrich Ferdinand Runge first time isolated pure caffeine in laboratory (Jarvis, 2002).
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, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Caffeine is one of the world’s most widely used drugs. Many anthropologists believe people used caffeine start from Stone Age. Caffeine was first extracted from coffee in 1821 (Anna and Kurek, 2013). Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruits of over 63 plants species worldwide and is part of a group of compounds known as methyl xanthine's. The most commonly known sources of caffeine are coffee, cocoa beans, cola nuts and tea leave (Runge and Friedlieb, 2014). Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in humans, caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant (Nehlig et al., 1992). It has the effect of temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks, enjoy great popularity (Torres et al., 2009). Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. Adults receive nearly three quarters of their daily caffeine from coffee. Children receive one half of their caffeine from soft drinks Energy drinks represent a fast-growing beverage market.
Different energy drinks having different amount of caffeine and its range is from 50-300 mg. Most people experience no behavioural effects with less than 300 mg caffeine. Sleep is more sensitive and can be disrupted by 200 mg caffeine (Frary et al., 2005). The caffeine content in your average cup of coffee is around 100 mg. Decaffeinated coffee isn't actually caffeine-free, and can contain up to 12 mg of caffeine. Your average cup of tea contains 85 mg of caffeine. A single can of commercially available energy drink can have anywhere between 80 and 280 mg of caffeine depending on the can size. Green tea is close behind with 60 mg of caffeine, followed by white tea with 55 mg. Slim- fast chocolate drinks come in at 20 mg of caffeine in a single serving (Bonnie et al., 2004). Caffeine is metabolized in the liver into three primary metabolites: Para xanthine (84%), Theo bromine (12%), and theophylline (4%) (David et al., 2015). Caffeine is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 oxidase enzyme system (specifically, the 1A2 isoezyme) into three metabolic dimethyl xanthine's which each have their own effects on the body (Bolton et al., 1981).
An acute overdose of caffeine, usually in excess of 250 milligrams (more than 2-3 cups of brewed coffee), can result in a state of central nervous system overstimulation called caffeine intoxication (Sfetcu, 2006). The effects of caffeine on the body may begin as early as 15 minutes after in jesting and last up to hours (Kamijo et al., 1999). Caffeine is highly addictive, caffeine increase stress level, caffeine accelerates aging and wrinkles (Mrvos et al., 1989). Caffeine intake of 150-300 mg after a 10 h fast increased urinary calcium excretion 2-3 h after exposure in adolescent men and women (Thelle, 1993).
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation reveals the problems of the determination of Caffeine Content in Energy Drinks;
- Inadequate provision of information relating to Caffeine Content in beverages in Energy Drinks,
- Insufficient information of therapeutic effect of caffeine and aspartame concentrations of the energy drinks.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the research work is to determine the Caffeine Content in Energy Drinks. In achieving this aim, the following objectives were set out as follows:
- To examine the Caffeine Content in beverages in Energy Drinks
- To raise the awareness of negative effects of caffeine on human health because many companies’ sales their products by highlighting few advantages of caffeine so companies should be labelled the caffeine content in drinks and also its effects as well as benefits.
- To determine the caffeine and aspartame concentrations of the energy drinks;
- To determination of the carbohydrate (sugar) contents;
- To determine the physicochemical properties of energy drinks;
1.5 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Determination of Caffeine Content in Energy Drinks.
1.6 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.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- 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.
1.7 Significance of Study
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. Many of these products do not provide the complete chemical composition, and the caffeine content and other ingredients present are unknown to the consumer. Hence there is need to quantify the major content of these energy drinks and compare with those of accepted standards. Also, energy drinks occur mostly in liquid and powdered forms. There has been little or no research on the powdered products as more attention has been given to those in liquids.
These powdered products are usually dissolved in water by consumers before intake. It is therefore imperative to determine the caffeine, aspartame and other energizers of the powdered products and compared them with those of the liquid products. It will also be necessary to determine some other physicochemical properties of the energy drinks.
Besides, the study will serve as reference material for subsequent researcher in the field or related topics.
