CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF CARBONATED DRINKS AND EFFECT OF CAFFEINE CONSUMED THROUGH THEM ON FEMALE LECTURERS’ BONE HEALTH IN KANO STATE

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the chemical composition of carbonated drinks and the effect of caffeine consumed through it on female lecturers’ bone health in Kano State. Four research objectives guided the study, among which were to identify the commonly consumed carbonated drinks and others. Four research questions were raised that guided the study also. Descriptive survey research and domestic experimental design were used for the study and the population comprised 2,281 female lecturers in five selected tertiary institutions in Kano State. Proportionate random sampling technique was employed for sample selection and a sample of 340 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane statistical formula. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire of a five-point Likert Scale and the instrument consisted of two sections, namely Part A and B. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and the result of the domestic experiment were used to analyse the demographic data and answer the research questions. The findings revealed that the commonly consumed carbonated drinks in Kano State were soft and energy drinks with a mean score of 3.10, and the rate of consumption with a grand mean score of 3.34 indicated a high consumption rate. The findings from the experiment revealed that caffeine in the drinks caused withdrawal of calcium from the bone, leading to osteoporosis, rheumatism and arthritis. The study concluded that caffeine affects bone mineral density, making the bone susceptible to breakage. The study recommended, among others, that female lecturers should endeavour to replace carbonated drinks with organic drinks from fruits and vegetables.