Evaluation of Chemical, Minerals, and Heavy Metals in Selected Energy Drinks in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Abstract Energy drinks are consumed on a daily basis, due to their ability to enhance energy levels, improve concentration, and boost physical and mental performance. However, the high demand may compromise the quality of production with possible contamination of heavy metals which have been shown to cause intoxication and death in humans. This study evaluated some constituents of five energy drinks commonly consumed in Nigeria and investigated the presence of some chemical, mineral and heavy metal. Five (5) different energy drinks with 3 samples per group was used for the study. The energy drinks were screened for the presence of sugars, carbon dioxide, phosphate and alcohol as well as the pH was determined using standard protocols. Heavy metals (Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic, Chromium and Lead) and minerals were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed the presence of carbon dioxide, high levels (+++) of sugar and alcohol, and a trace of phosphate in the energy drinks. The energy drinks were acidic in nature with pH ranging from 2 to 4. Lead and cadmium were non-detectable, while arsenic and mercury were present in all 5 samples ranging from 0.004 to 1.00 mg/L. The levels of the heavy metal were above the tolerated limits for good quality drinking water in most samples when compared to EPA, WHO and NIS standards. The overall findings of this study suggest that though the energy drinks in Benin may contain some crucial minerals, However, the presence of some heavy metals in the energy drinks may not be safe for consumption. Keywords: Contamination, Energy drinks, Heavy metals, Minerals, Nigeria