Synergic effects of sugar and caffeine on insulin-mediated metabolomic alterations after an acute consumption of soft drinks

Physiological Impacts of Energy Drink Consumption: A Clinical Analysis in Adolescents

Energy drink (ED) consumption among Israeli-Arab adolescents is widespread. This study aimed to investigate the acute glycemic and insulin effects of EDs in healthy adolescents. Seventy-one Israeli-Arab adolescents (56% girls, average age 16.04 ± 1.03 years) participated in a non-randomized, case-controlled, open-label study. Participants consumed ED (n = 36) or a volume- and carbohydrate-matched non-caffeinated soft drink (SD, n = 35), followed by a 2 h glucose tolerance test. Blood glucose was measured at baseline and 15, 30, 60, and 120 min post-consumption (T0, T15, T30, T60 and T120, respectively). Serum insulin concentration and caffeine relative intensity were determined 45 min post-consumption (T45). Blood glucose levels peaked significantly at T15 and remained significantly higher at T30 in the ED group compared to the SD group (p = 0.005, p = 0.017, respectively). Insulin concentrations were substantially higher at T45 in the ED group (t [64] = 2.794, p = 0.001). This pattern was especially prominent in heavy ED consumers. A positive correlation emerged between the amount of caffeine consumed (mg/kg), blood glucose levels at T15 and T30, and insulin concentration at T45. This study is the first to demonstrate the glycemic and insulin responses to ED consumption in adolescents, suggesting that regulatory measures limiting ED sales to adolescents could improve their health.

The Effect of Non-Nutritive Sweetened Beverages on Postprandial Glycemic and Endocrine Responses: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background: There has been an emerging concern that non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) can increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease. Much of the attention has focused on acute metabolic and endocrine responses to NNS. To examine whether these mechanisms are operational under real-world scenarios, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of acute trials comparing the effects of non-nutritive sweetened beverages (NNS beverages) with water and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in humans. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched through to January 15, 2022. We included acute, single-exposure, randomized, and non-randomized, clinical trials in humans, regardless of health status. Three patterns of intake were examined: (1) uncoupling interventions, where NNS beverages were consumed alone without added energy or nutrients; (2) coupling interventions, where NNS beverages were consumed together with added energy and nutrients as carbohydrates; and (3) delayed coupling interventions, where NNS beverages were consumed as a preload prior to added energy and nutrients as carbohydrates. The primary outcome was a 2 h incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for blood glucose concentration. Secondary outcomes included 2 h iAUC for insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), peptide YY (PYY), ghrelin, leptin, and glucagon concentrations. Network meta-analysis and confidence in the network meta-analysis (CINeMA) were conducted in R-studio and CINeMA, respectively. Results: Thirty-six trials involving 472 predominantly healthy participants were included. Trials examined a variety of single NNS (acesulfame potassium, aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, stevia, and sucralose) and NNS blends (acesulfame potassium + aspartame, acesulfame potassium + sucralose, acesulfame potassium + aspartame + cyclamate, and acesulfame potassium + aspartame + sucralose), along with matched water/unsweetened controls and SSBs sweetened with various caloric sugars (glucose, sucrose, and fructose). In uncoupling interventions, NNS beverages (single or blends) had no effect on postprandial glucose, insulin, GLP-1, GIP, PYY, ghrelin, and glucagon responses similar to water controls (generally, low to moderate confidence), whereas SSBs sweetened with caloric sugars (glucose and sucrose) increased postprandial glucose, insulin, GLP-1, and GIP responses with no differences in postprandial ghrelin and glucagon responses (generally, low to moderate confidence). In coupling and delayed coupling interventions, NNS beverages had no postprandial glucose and endocrine effects similar to controls (generally, low to moderate confidence). Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that NNS beverages sweetened with single or blends of NNS have no acute metabolic and endocrine effects, similar to water. These findings provide support for NNS beverages as an alternative replacement strategy for SSBs in the acute postprandial setting.

Untargeted Metabolomics Based on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Plasma and Erythrocyte Samples in Childhood Obesity

The circulating metabolome of human peripheral blood provides valuable information to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of diseases and to discover candidate biomarkers. In particular, erythrocytes have been proposed as potential systemic indicators of the metabolic and redox status of the organism. To accomplish wide-coverage metabolomics analysis, the combination of complementary analytical techniques is necessary to manage the physicochemical complexity of the human metabolome. Herein, we describe an untargeted metabolomics method to capture the plasmatic and erythroid metabolomes based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry, combining reversed-phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. The method provides comprehensive metabolomics fingerprinting of plasma and erythrocyte samples, thereby enabling the elucidation of the distinctive metabolic disturbances behind childhood obesity and associated comorbidities, such as insulin resistance.

Acute effects of energy drink on hemodynamic and electrophysiologic parameters in habitual and non-habitual caffeine consumers

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The consumption of energy drinks has significantly increased in recent years but their adverse effects are yet to be identified. The objective of the study is to determine the acute effects of energy drink on habitual and non-habitual caffeine consumers and if caffeine consumption habit causes a difference in the hemodynamic and electrophysiological responses.

METHODS

We carried out a non-randomized, non-placebo controlled, three-arm parallel assignment with 48 students enrolled at Aydın Adnan Menderes University. Four main groups were determined according to the results of the application acceptance survey. Blood pressure, electrocardiogram, breath rate, haemoglobin oxygen saturation and bioelectrical impedance analysis were measured before consuming the drinks. After consuming the drinks, measurements were repeated at 30 min and 60 min. In addition, Participant's Situation Anxiety Scale was recorded.

RESULTS

Energy drink consumption led to a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate for non-habitual caffeine consumers. PR interval and QRS complex were not affected significantly, however QTc interval reduced in time. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation and breathing rate did not change. Body fat percentage values of habitual energy drink consumers were smaller than the other groups. Body metabolism rate increased after energy drink consumption. There was no significant change for high-habitual caffeine consumers in all parameters evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Energy drink consumption has a negative effect on hemodynamic parameters. But as the habituation level increases the impact of energy drink on hemodynamic parameters tends to decrease.

CLINICALTRIALS REGISTRATION

Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier No: NCT04223167.

Assessment of Antioxidant Properties of Classic Energy Drinks in Comparison with Fruit Energy Drinks

Energy drinks (EDs) contain sugar, caffeine, and other bioactive compounds. Recently, new types of EDs, enriched with fruit juices, natural pigments, and plant extracts, have been launched in the market. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition and antioxidant properties of the most popular classic and fruit EDs. The study was carried out including 24 of the most popular energy drinks (classic and fruit EDs). The composition of EDs, especially caffeine and sugar, and antioxidant properties (antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, vitamin C) were analyzed. Energy drinks with added fruit juice or natural pigments had a significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) antioxidant capacity compared to classic energy drinks. Fruit EDs had a higher concentration of polyphenols and vitamin C. In some fruit EDs, slight amounts of anthocyanins were found. Generally, EDs are not a rich source of polyphenols and are not distinguished by high antioxidant capacity. However, fruit energy drinks and/or ones with added natural pigments have much better antioxidant properties than classic EDs. Both classic and fruit EDs contain a large amount of caffeine and sugar, therefore, it would be advisable not to drink large amounts of EDs for possible related health issues.

Understanding glycaemic control and current approaches for screening antidiabetic natural products from evidence-based medicinal plants

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has reached epidemic proportions as a result of over-nutrition and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Current therapies, although effective, are not without limitations. These limitations, the alarming increase in the prevalence of diabetes, and the soaring cost of managing diabetes and its complications underscores an urgent need for safer, more efficient and affordable alternative treatments. Over 1200 plant species are reported in ethnomedicine for treating diabetes and these represents an important and promising source for the identification of novel antidiabetic compounds. Evaluating medicinal plants for desirable bioactivity goes hand-in-hand with methods in analytical biochemistry for separating and identifying lead compounds. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of current methods used in antidiabetic plant research to form a useful resource for researchers beginning in the field. The review summarises the current understanding of blood glucose regulation and the general mechanisms of action of current antidiabetic medications, and combines knowledge on common experimental approaches for screening plant extracts for antidiabetic activity and currently available analytical methods and technologies for the separation and identification of bioactive natural products. Common in vivo animal models, in vitro models, in silico methods and biochemical assays used for testing the antidiabetic effects of plants are discussed with a particular emphasis on in vitro methods such as cell-based bioassays for screening insulin secretagogues and insulinomimetics. Enzyme inhibition assays and molecular docking are also highlighted. The role of metabolomics, metabolite profiling, and dereplication of data for the high-throughput discovery of novel antidiabetic agents is reviewed. Finally, this review also summarises sample preparation techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction, and the critical function of nuclear magnetic resonance and high resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for the dereplication, putative identification and structure elucidation of natural compounds from evidence-based medicinal plants.

Effects of Acute Consumption of Noni and Chokeberry Juices vs. Energy Drinks on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Blood Glucose in Young Adults

The purpose of this study has been to determine the effect of acute consumption of noni and chokeberry juices vs. energy drinks on blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose. The subjects divided into 4 groups, which consumed three portions of noni or chokeberry juices (30 mL or 200 mL, respectively) and energy drink (ED) or water (200 mL) at one-hour intervals. All participants had their blood pressure (BP), both systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP), as well as heart rate (HR) and blood glucose (BG), measured. Consumption of noni juice caused a significant decrease in SBP and DBP of 5.0% and 7.5%, respectively, while, the consumption of chokeberry juice slightly decreased only DBP by 3.6%. On the contrary, consumption of three portions of EDs caused a significant increase in DBP by 14.7%. The BG of participants consuming noni juice decreased by 7.3%, while the consumption of EDs increased BG by as much as 15.8%. Acute consumption of noni juice contributed to a significantly decreased SBP, DBP, and HR as well as a mild reduction of BG. Consumption of chokeberry juice caused only a slight reduction of DBP. Contrary to juices, EDs consumption resulted in an increase of blood pressure (especially DBP) and blood glucose. The results of the study showed that noni juice may be effective in lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels, but there is a need to continue research on the long-term effect of this juice.

High-Throughput Metabolomics Based on Direct Mass Spectrometry Analysis in Biomedical Research

Metabolomics based on direct mass spectrometry analysis shows a great potential in biomedical research because of its high-throughput screening capability and wide metabolome coverage. This chapter contains detailed protocols to perform comprehensive metabolomic fingerprinting of multiple biological samples (serum, plasma, urine, brain, liver, spleen, thymus) by using complementary analytical platforms. The most important issues to be considered are discussed, including sample treatment, metabolomic analysis, raw data preprocessing, and data analysis.

The Effect of Acute Consumption of Energy Drinks on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Blood Glucose in the Group of Young Adults

Background: Energy drinks (EDs) are very popular among young people, who consume them for various reasons. A standard ED typically contains 80 mg of caffeine, as well as glucose, taurine, vitamins and other ingredients. Excessive consumption of EDs and accumulation of the above ingredients, as well as their mutual interactions, can be hazardous to the health of young adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of acute consumption of energy drinks on blood pressure, heart rate and blood glucose. Methods: The study involved 68 volunteers, healthy young adults (mean age 25 years), who were divided into two groups: the first consumed three EDs at one-hour intervals, and the second drank the same amount of water. All participants had their blood pressure (BP)—systolic and diastolic (SBP and DBP)—as well as heart rate (HR) and blood glucose (BG) measured. In addition, participants could report any health problems before and after consuming each portion of ED. Results: In the above experiment, having consumed three portions of ED (240 mg of caffeine), the participants presented a significant increase in DBP (p = 0.003), by over 8%, which coincided with a lack of any significant impact on SBP (p = 0.809). No significant changes were noted in HR (p = 0.750). Consumption of EDs caused a significant increase (p < 0.001) in BG, by ca. 21%, on average. Some participants reported various discomforts, which escalated after 2 and 3 EDs. Conclusions: Acute consumption of EDs contributed to increased diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose and level of discomfort in healthy young people. Our results reinforce the need for further studies on a larger population to provide sufficient evidence.