The caffeine content in selected beverages and its health effect on vulnerable groups

Michaela Dušková

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Caffeine consumption is a growing problem, especially among children and adolescents. Caffeine is a stimulant drug, widespread and used throughout the world. It is found naturally in nearly 100 species of plants, the most widely used being the genus Coffea. Caffeine is ingested daily in a variety of ways, most commonly from beverages. The most popular are coffee or tea, but it can also be found in soft drinks such as cola sodas or iced teas. These are the drinks most consumed by vulnerable groups. Caffeine is used to counteract fatigue or to stimulate. It can affect psychological and physical functions in the human body. The aim of this research was to determine the content of caffeine in commonly available soft beverages and beverage powders using high performance liquid chromatography. The measured values ranged from 1.68 mg/100 ml to 24.18 mg/100 ml. Using the caffeine content and maximum daily caffeine intake, the amount of maximum daily consumption for the selected beverages was calculated, divided by age group and then compared. The values were then compared with the stated caffeine levels from the labels and whether compliance with the stated amounts from major institutions occurred.

Keywords

carbonated soft drinks, health, children, pregnant women, tea, cacao

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 15. 4. 2022

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedúci: Ing. Olga Leuner, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme:
Tropical Agriculture