Scientific paradigm associated with consumption of non-alcoholic water-based beverages sold in Banda Zone, Kampala-Uganda

Abstract

Abstract Background In this study, it was aimed to analyze the caffeine content and acidity levels of different varieties of non-alcoholic water-based beverages consumed by the people in the vicinity of Banda, Uganda. The samples were sonicated and subjected for analysis by HPLC-UV method. Results The study showed that the highest concentration of caffeine was found in energy drink, ED; with 64.01 ± 0.07 mg/l as compared to soft drinks, SD1; 20.20 ± 0.02 mg/l, SD2; 23.14 ± 0.08 mg/l, and SD3; 29.88 ± 0.02 mg/l. All obtained values were below the permissible levels for caffeine (200 mg) intake by the US Food and Drug administration (FDA). The study also showed that all non-alcoholic beverages analyzed were acidic accept bottled water in the sequence; BW < ED < SD, in the categorical range with bottled water; BW2; 8.01 ± 0.03, BW1; 7.5 ± 0.10, BW3; 7.5 ± 0.11, BW4 6.85 ± 1.38, and Energy drink; ED; 3.17, and finally, Soft drinks; SD2; 2.82 ± 0.02, SD1; 2.61 ± 0.02, and SD3; 2.59 ± 0.05. Conclusions The results obtained in this study provide satisfactory information on the quantification of caffeine and acidity contents of the consumed non-alcoholic water-based beverages by the people in the vicinity of Banda, Kampala-Uganda. This in future could pose serious health risks, since some individuals consume multiple servings of the drinks in a short time, which could results in intoxication/overdose.