Consumption of caffeinated energy drink induces alterations in lipid profile and hepatic aminotransferases in experimental rats

Public health concerns have been associated with the widespread consumption of energy drinks. However, there is a dearth of scientific data on the biochemical effects of these energy beverages. This study aimed to investigate the effect of caffeinated energy drinks commonly consumed in Nigeria on plasma lipids, lipid peroxidation marker and liver function indices in albino rats. Male Wistar rats were administered orally caffeinated energy drinks (1mL/100g body weight) for 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, plasma lipid profile, lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde) and liver indices were estimated in control and experimental groups using standard methods. P<0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Treatment with energy drinks (EDs) demonstrated decreases in total cholesterol, LDL-C, while TG increased as comparable to control. However, concentrations of HDL-C was significantly reduced, while lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde) was significantly increased (p<0.05) by Tiger ED. Although energy drink administration altered hepatic aminotransferases insignificantly (p>0.05) at 1mL/100g body weight, Wild Dragon ED increased the activity of aspartate aminotransferase significantly as compared to control. Alterations in lipid profile, hepatic status and the observed lipid peroxidation by caffeinated ED consumption may have important public health implications. We therefore suggest further investigations in this