Quantitative analysis of caffeine in some selected brands of energy drinks available in Kano State Nigeria

Abstract

This research work was aimed to determine the pH and level of caffeine in some selected brands of energy drinks available in Kano state, Nigeria. Different brands of these products were purchased from different shops in Kano metropolis. Caffeine was carefully extracted from each product and analysed by ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometric methods. The results showed that the caffeine content of the energy drinks ranged from 34.65 to 40.88mg/100mL. Like-wise the mean pH of carbonated energy drinks were highly acidic ranging from 2.99±0.017 to 3.98±0.012, The reason behind the low pH values in carbonated drinks could be as a result of the presence of carbon (iv) oxide gas and other acids such as phosphoric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid and tartaric acid used as preservatives by the manufacturers of these product.

Keywords: Energy drinks, Caffeine, pH, Kano- Nigeria