Levels of Selected Heavy Metals in Some Imported Canned Energy Drinks in Lagos Nigeria

Background: Energy Drink are drugs or beverage which is purported to boost mental or physical energy. The energy in these drinks is derived through a choice of stimulants, vitamins and herbal supplements the manufacturer has combined. Different brands of energy drinks are currently in high demands in this part of the country.

Aim: Trace metals (iron, zinc, manganese, cadmium and lead) were evaluated from ten brands of energy drinks using Atomic Absorptive Spectrophotometer (AAS).

Methodology: Ten brands of imported energy drinks which reflect the most popular brands consumed were sampled in triplicate from Yaba, Ojuelegba and Oyingbo markets in Lagos-Nigeria. The drinks were digested by weighing 20ml of the energy drinks into an evaporating dish and 10ml of Conc.HNO3 was added. Each metal was measured using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer which was set up according to the wavelength corresponding to that of the element under investigation. Reagent blank determination was used to correct the instrument reading.

Results: All metals, except lead and cadmium, were present at varying concentrations in the drinks. The concentration of cadmium and lead were below detectable value while. by and large, the mean value of the metals found in the energy drinks ranges from 0.040 – 0.010ppm. Zinc has the highest individual concentration of metals and it is closely followed by iron and then manganese. The Order of abundance of these heavy metals in the samples is presented as follows: zinc > iron > manganese > cadmium = lead.

Discussion and Conclusion: These results showed that there is no risk in energy drink with respect to the concentrations of zinc, iron and manganese as they were within the permissible limits set by health authorities. The trace metals in canned drinks must be monitored comprehensively and periodically with respect to the consumer health as the safety of drinks and any other edible material cannot be compromised.