In Vivo and In Vitro Assays Evaluating the Biological Activity of Taurine, Glucose and Energetic Beverages

Sex-dependent effects of short-term ethanol, energy drinks and acute noise exposure on hippocampal oxidative balance and glutamate transporter EAAT-1 during rat adolescence

It is known that human adolescents often consume ethanol (EtOH) alone or mixed with energy drinks (ED), especially in noisy environments. Although these agents impact the developing brain, their effects after brief exposure or when presented together remain unclear. Given that few animal studies in this subject are available, this research aimed to study the effects of a brief exposure to these stimuli on the oxidative state and EAAT-1 glutamate transporter levels in the developing rat hippocampus (HC). Adolescent Wistar rats were subjected to a two-bottle choice, limited access to drinking in the dark paradigm, for EtOH and EtOH+ED intake, for 4 days, and subsequent acute noise exposure. Next, hippocampal catalase activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutaredoxin-1 (Grx-1) and glutamate transporter EAAT-1 levels were assessed. Results showed sex-dependent alterations after exposure to these stimuli: Females consuming EtOH had higher hippocampal ROS levels, which decreased when combined with noise; males showed reduced ROS levels only after noise exposure. No significant changes occurred in catalase activity, Grx-1, or EAAT-1 levels with EtOH and noise exposure in neither sex. Additionally, ED raised EtOH consumption in both sexes, normalizing ROS levels only in females when combined with EtOH. Finally, ED consumption altered Grx-1 and EAAT-1 levels in both sexes. In summary, brief exposure to these stimuli induced sex-dependent alterations, suggesting differentiated coping strategies between sexes. Whereas ED consumption may have antioxidant effects in some cases, it could also increase excitotoxicity risk. These novel findings raise questions for future research on the underlying corresponding mechanisms.

Analysis of the pH levels in energy and pre-workout beverages and frequency of consumption: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Erosive tooth wear is an increasingly common pathology in the youth population. It refers to the chronic, localized, painless loss of dental hard tissues caused by non-bacterial acids, often originating from external sources like acidic beverages. Energy drink consumption is on the rise, frequently preceding physical exercise to enhance perceived energy levels. However, there are other types of beverages that also provide energy, such as pre-workout drinks, classified as sports drinks. The main objective of this research study has been conducted with the purpose of analyzing the pH of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages, and studying the frequency of consumption of such beverages in amateur athletes who practice sports.

METHODS

A total of 67 beverages were examined, comprising 43 energy drinks and 24 sports supplementation beverages, also known as pre-workout or pre-training beverages. The participants were given a survey to complete. They were asked to respond whether they consumed any type of pre-workout or energy drink, and they were also asked about the timing of consumption.

RESULTS

The findings indicated an average pH of 3.3 among the studied beverages, indicating a pH below the critical threshold. Out of the 113 participants, 51% reported taking some form of supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Consequently, it was concluded that most of the analyzed beverages recorded pH values low enough to classify them as erosive, posing a threat to enamel surface. When analyzing the frequency of consumption of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages in amateur athletes, we observed that most participants aged 29 years or younger took supplements 3 to 5 times a week, while the older age groups more frequently took supplements 1 to 2 times a week.