EFFECTS OF CAFFEINATED SOFT DRINKS & ENERGY DRINKS ON ADULT RAT BODY WEIGHT, LIVER WEIGHT AND RELATIVE TISSUE WEIGHT INDEX

Objective/Background: Youngsters are consuming caffeinated soft drinks and energy drinks at frightening rates without knowing their safety. Therefore, the research was conducted to observe the effects of most universally used caffeinated soft drink (SD), (Coca Cola) and energy drink(ED) (Red Bull) on the body weight and weight of livers of rats. Material and Methods: Control group, SD group (experimental group) and ED group (experimental group) were given11ml/kg body weight of distilled water, Coca Cola and Red Bull per day, respectively for 8 weeks. At the start and at the end of the experiment, all the rats were weighed and then the rats were dissected and their livers were weighed and RTWI calculated. Results: The gain in body weight of both experimental groups at the end of the experiment was insignificant in comparison to control group. Difference in liver weight of all the groups was not statically significant but RTWI was higher of SD group was than control group. Conclusion: Consumption of Caffeinated soft drinks (Coca Cola) and energy drinks (Red Bull) raised body weight but the liver weight remains almost unaffected in comparison to control whereas RTWI of SD group was significantly more. Caffeine content of both these could be held responsible for these affects, thereby making their consumption questionable.