Assessment of caffeine, trace metals, and associated health risks in popular carbonated and energy drinks in Bangladesh using advanced analytical techniques

In this study, the concentrations of caffeine and trace metals in 20 popular soft drinks (carbonated and energy drinks) brands consumed in Bangladesh were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, respectively, to evaluate potential health risks associated with their consumption. Also, physicochemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS) and conductivity were determined. The levels of caffeine in soft drink samples varied from ND (<1 mg/L) to 150.9 mg/L with an average of 120.0 mg/L. The mean concentration (µg/L) of As, Se, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, Hg, Be, V, Al and Fe detected in carbonated and energy drinks were (3, 2), (1, 1), (257, 249), (4, 4), (3, 2), (72, 26), (132, 63), (166, 61), (76, 52), (2330, 3195), (7, 5), (0.3, 0.2), (2, 2), (1520, 1437) and (5648, 2608), respectively. The pH, TDS and conductivity of the samples varied from 2.90 ± 0.05–4.80 ± 0.05, 275–1694 mg/L, and 361–3300 μS/cm. The levels of Pb, Hg and Fe exceeded the safe limit in both carbonated and energy drink samples. Target hazard quotient and total hazard quotient were found to be less than 1 for all soft drink samples, indicating tolerable risk for human health. • Comprehensive study on caffeine and trace metal content in available soft drinks. • For energy drink samples, the highest caffeine content was 150.9 mg/L. • Mean Pb, Cr, Hg, Mn, Al content in carbonated and energy drinks exceeded WHO limit. • Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessed for trace metals (adult and child).