B. O. EIYA.

The global consumption of energy drinks and caffeine-containing beverages has increased due to their stimulating effects, yet concerns regarding their impact on oxidative stress remain largely unaddressed. This study investigates the effects of energy drinks and caffeine on oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA), in heart and kidney tissues. Fifty (50) young Sprague-rats weighing between 164g-250g were used for this study. The rats were divided into five groups; Group 1 as control (n=10) received water, Group 2 (n=10) received 5ml of energy drink, Group 3 (n=10) received 10ml energy drink, Group 4 (n=10) received 5ml of caffeine 0.89mg/kg b.w., Group 5 (n=10) received 10ml of caffeine 2.0mg/kg b.w. The various doses of energy drinks and caffeine were administered orally daily for six weeks .Weight of rats were taken weekly, at the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed and organs collected into plain tubes filled with normal saline solution. Oxidative stress parameters were measured using spectrophometric method. Results were presented as standard error of mean (SEM). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of tests and control value while the post-hoc test was done using Dunnett’s multiple comparison tests and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results showed that energy drinks increased antioxidant enzyme activities in the heart but also elevated MDA levels, indicating oxidative stress. Caffeine reduced antioxidant activity in the heart and increased MDA levels in the kidney, signifying oxidative damage. These effects were tissue-specific and dose-dependent, highlighting potential health risks. In conclusion, excessive consumption of energy drinks and caffeine may pose health risks due to oxidative stress. Therefore, public awareness and regulatory measures are essential to mitigate these effects.