Energy drinks are widely consumed across Nigeria, particularly among youths, for their perceived ability to enhance physical performance and mental alertness. However, concerns have been raised about their safety, especially regarding heavy metal contamination, which may pose serious public health risks. Despite their increasing consumption, limited scientific data exist on the quality and safety of energy drinks sold locally. This study evaluated the concentration of heavy metals and assessed the associated health risks to consumers. Thirty (30) brands of energy drinks, including 23 liquid and 7 powdered samples, were randomly purchased from local markets. Heavy metal concentrations were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for liquid samples and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for powdered samples. Results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) permissible limits. Cobalt (Co) concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 0.85 mg/L in liquid samples and 0.45 to 1.32 mg/g in powdered samples, with several powdered samples (EJ, KR) exceeding WHO limits. Chromium (Cr) concentrations were 0.08–0.67 mg/L in liquids and 0.35–1.10 mg/g in powders, while cadmium (Cd) ranged from 0.01–0.05 mg/L and 0.04–0.12 mg/g, respectively. Lead (Pb) levels reached 0.09 mg/L in liquids and 0.21 mg/g in powders, surpassing permissible limits in multiple brands, posing neurotoxic risks, particularly in children. Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values for Co, Cr, and Pb exceeded 1 in several samples, indicating potential non-carcinogenic risks. Carcinogenic risk (CR) values for Cr, Cd, Ni, and Co ranged from 1.2×10-4 to 5.8×10-4, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 1×10-4, suggesting a significant cancer risk, especially in children whose exposure per body weight was higher than adults. The findings indicate that certain energy drinks sold in Nigeria contain heavy metals at concentrations capable of causing both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects. These results underscore the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight, routine monitoring of heavy metal content, improved manufacturing practices, and public education to mitigate health risks associated with excessive energy drink consumption.
Hamza et al. (Thu,) studied this question.