1.1 INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid (compounds having at

least one Nitrogen atom as part of their ring structure) which is

found in leaves fruits or seeds of over 63 plant species worldwide.

The most common sources of caffeine are coffee cocoa beans cola

nuts and tea leaves. The worldwide consumption of products

derived from this natural material means that caffeine is one of the

most popular and commonly consumed drugs in the world. Caffeine

popularity stems from the fact that it is a pharmacologically active

substance and a mild central nervous system stimulant.

It is generally agreed that there is a little risk of harm when a

person consumes less than 300mg of caffeine a day

[1][2]

. However at

times of anxiety stress or during pregnancy the FSA recommends

less than 200mg a day

[3].

While there are no regulatory requirements to control or label food products with their caffeine content numerous studies have been carried out to determine the

typical caffeine content of commonly consumed soft drinks and

other beverages. A wide variety of methods have been employed

with UV spectrometry being the method of choice in this analytical

study.

1.2 Soft drinks

A soft drink (also called soda pop coke

soda pop fizzy drink

tonic or carbonated beverage) is a non-alcoholic beverage that

typically contains water (often but not always carbonated water) a

sweetener and a flavoring agent. The sweetener may be sugar high

fructose corn syrup or a sugar substitute (in case of diet drinks). A

soft drink may also contain caffeine or fruit juice. Pure juice and

other beverages not considered to be soft drinks are hot chocolate

hot tea coffee milk milk shakes and Schorle. Drinks like powerade

and Lucozade may meet the definition of soft drinks but are more

commonly called sport drinks.

Soft drinks are so called in contrast to Hard drinks (alcoholic

beverages). Small amount of alcohol may be present in soft drinks

but the alcohol content must be less than 0.5% of the total

volume

if the drink is to be considered non-alcoholic. Widely sold soft drink flavors are cola lemon-lime root beer orange grape vanilla ginger ale fruit punch and sparkling lemonade.

1.2.1 Brief history of soft drinks

The first marketed soft drink (non-carbonated) in the western

world appeared in the 17th century. They were made from water and

lemon juice and sweetened with honey. In 1676 the “companies de

lemon diers” of Paris was granted a monopoly for the sale of

lemonade soft drinks. Vendors carried tanks of lemonade on their

backs and dispense cups of the soft drink to thirsty Parisians.

In the 18thvcentury scientists made important progress in

replicating naturally carbonated mineral waters. In 1767

Englishman Joseph Priestley first discovered a method of infusing

water with carbon dioxide to make carbonated water which has

3.4grams in the drink

[8]

when he suspends a bowl of distilled water

above a beer vat at a local brewery in Leeds England. His invention

of carbonated water (also known as soda water) is the major and

defining component of most soft drinks

[9]

.

1.2.2 Soft drink production

Soft drinks are made by mixing dry ingredients and/or fresh

ingredients with (e.g. Lemon Orange e.t.c) with water. Production of

soft drinks can be done at factories or at home. Soft drinks can be

made at home by mixing either syrup or dry ingredients with

carbonated water. The carbonated water is made using a home

carbonation system or by dropping dry ice into water. Syrups are

commercially sold by companies and Supermarkets

1.2.3 Potential alcohol content of soft drinks

A report in October 2006 demonstrated that soft drinks

contain a measurable amount of alcohol. In some older preparations

this resulted from natural fermentation used to build the

carbonation.

In the United States soft drinks (as well as beverages such as

non-alcoholic beer) are allowed to contain up to 0.5% alcohol by

volume. Modern drinks introduce carbondioxide for carbonation

but there is a speculation that alcohol might result from the

fermentation of sugar in an unsterile environment. A small amount

of alcohol is introduced in soft drinks where alcohol is used in the

preparation of flavoring extracts

1.2.4 Health effects of sugar sweetened soft drinks

The consumption of sugar sweetened soft drinks is associated

with obesity

[12][13]

type-2 diabetes dental cavities and low nutrient

levels

[13]

. Experimental studies tend to support a casual role for

sugar sweetened soft drink in these ailments

[12][13 ]

though this is

challenged by other researchers.

[14][15]

“sugar-sweetened” soft drinks

includes drinks that use high fructose corn syrup as well as those

using sucrose. Many soft drinks contain some ingredients that are

themselves a source of concern: caffeine is linked to anxiety and

sleep disruption

[16]

when consumed in excess; some critics however

question the health effect of added sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Sodium benzoate had been investigated by researchers at the

University of Sheffield

[17]

as a possible cause of DNA damage and

hyperactivity. Other substances contained in soft drinks also have

negative effects but are present in such small quantities that they are

unlikely to pose any substantial health risk.

1.2.5 Caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks

Caffeinated drink or caffeinated beverage is a drink which

contains caffeine a stimulant which is common legal and popular in

most developed countries. Caffeinated drinks are primarily coffee

tea soft drinks and energy drinks. Coffee and tea naturally contain

caffeine while many popular brands of cola have also used the

stimulant drug as an ingredient. Non-caffeinated drinks do not

contain caffeine. The consumption of caffeinated drinks over

non-caffeinated drinks is often intended purely for the effect of

caffeine. For instance coffee with breakfast is typical with people of

the western societies in order to “wake one’s self up”. Increasingly

there are commercially distributed drinks that contain guarana a

South American berry with a caffeine content as many times as the

amount in coffee beans. Energy drinks are another class of

caffeinated drinks that are widely consumed all over the world.

These energy drinks are beverages that boost energy. Their

advertisements usually do not emphasize the energy derived from

sugar and caffeine they contain

[18]

but rather increased energy

release due to a variety of stimulants and vitamins

1.2.6 Hidden risks of caffeinated beverages (energy drinks)

In November 2010 the University of Texas medical school at

Houston reported that energy drinks contain more caffeine than a

strong cup of coffee and that caffeine combined with other

ingredients such as guarana amino acid taurine other herbs

vitamins may interact. Energy drinks consumed with alcohol may

affect heart rates blood pressure and even mental states. The

caffeine content of energy drinks may range from 70-200mg 16oz

serving whereas; 16oz cups of coffee can contain 80-300mg caffeine

Health experts say caffeine prevents sleepiness and delays the

feeling of drunkenness normally experienced when drinking alcoholcausing some people to continue drinking after they normally

should have stopped.

1.2.7 Effect of caffeine on pregnant women

Research linking caffeine with young children proves that

excess consumption leads to infertility and increased risk of

miscarriage. Caffeine in the body of pregnant women may reach the

fetus via the placenta. This is dangerous since excess caffeine acts as

a relaxant causing a decrease in blood flow through the placenta.

This can lead to limited oxygen supply to the fetus risking brain and

organ development. Post pregnancy breast-feeding mothers who

consume coffee may unconsciously administer caffeine to children

through breast milk elevated breathing and heart rate restlessness

and lack of sleep were noticed among babies who were fed by

mothers who consume excess caffeine.

1.2.8 Effect of caffeine on young children

Caffeine affects children the same way as adults. However In a

child’s body 500mg of caffeine will react stronger and faster than in

an adult's body. Effect of caffeine on children and young adults may

result in persistent headaches poor digestion lack of concentration

poor memory sleep disorders anxiety as well as increased blood

pressure and heart rates. Also caffeinated drinks are usually high in

sugar content and therefore pose a risk of obesity in children. In

addition during summers consuming caffeine rich drinks to quench

thirst may lead to a child facing dehydration. Caffeinated drinks act

as deuretics causing water loss through excess urination. Since a

child will not always understand the ill effect of caffeine it is

imperative that the parents are conscious of their child’s diet. Steer

them away from tempting colas and introduce healthy fruit juices

milk and milk shakes and water to hydrate them

1.2.9 Benefits of taking caffeine

Caffeine being a stimulant blocks adenosine receptors that

normally function to slow the body down. Coffee is considered an

acceleration mood booster and owes part of its popularity to the

physiological effect it has on our body. Coffee also helps in lowering

the depression levels if taken judiciously. Coffee makes you feel

energetic and increases alertness and reaction time. It also helps

improve vigilance. There are advantages to drinking a cup or two of

coffee: it improves motor skills increases concentration levels

increases endurance speeds up digestion and increases your heart

rate. It is advisable to drink coffee before meals for a more energy

boost.

These activities of coffee are attributed to caffeine-the active

component in coffee which acts as a stimulant to the central

nervous system. By stimulating brain activity caffeine counteracts

fatigue and also increases mental performance. Caffeine

consumption in coffee had proven results for exercise-related

fatigue. The benefit of drinking coffee is due to caffeine present in it;

so it doesn’t matter if you drink cold hot coffee. The amount of

caffeine present in both is the same. But you will enjoy the benefit if

you stick with the caffeinated version which is much safer than

decaffeinated coffee.