In vivo Evaluation of the Thawing Effect on the Safety of Frozen Carbonated Beverage from a Leading Global Brand

Ahmed, Aimun A. E.; Gohar, Abdallah S. M.; Bebeji, Yahya M.; Abdel Haleem, Salah Eldin Abdel Hag

doi:10.21608/eajbsc.2025.407116

In vivo Evaluation of the Thawing Effect on the Safety of Frozen Carbonated Beverage from a Leading Global Brand

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Khartoum Sudan, P.O. Box 2587, and at The Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, Al-Baha Saudi Arabia, P.O. Box 1988.

² Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan.

³ Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, Al-Baha Saudi Arabia, P.O. Box 1988, and at The Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bahri, Khartoum Sudan.

10.21608/eajbsc.2025.407116

Abstract

Background :Hot climate in Sudan, increases the consumption of soft drinks. Freezing and de-freezing of Coca-Cola may affect its safety.Objectives :To determine the effects of thawing of frozen Coca-Cola on its consistency and safety. Methods: Samples were randomly purchased from local groceries, placed in the fridge and allowed to freeze, then removed and allowed to liquefy. Apparent physical changes in the beverage due to thawing were reported. Procedure was repeated until a highly concentrated extract was obtained.Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. Controls were treated orally with distilled water or Coca-Cola. Test groups were treated oral single daily doses of 100, 300, 600 or 5000 mg/kg body weight of the thawed soft drink extract. Body weight changes, food consumption, water intake, and relative organ weight were measured. Liver enzymes, creatinine and urea estimates at day 15, retro-orbital or cardiac puncture blood, were determined. All results were analyzed statistically and compared to controls. Results:Liver weights were significantly decreased especially at higher doses of the treatment. High albumin levels and significantly high urea level with the limit doses were determined in the test groups. Hemoglobin concentrations, RBCs, WBCs and PCV counts were significantly decreased at higher doses of the treatment. Conclusions and recommendations:De-frozen Coca-Cola thaws into a bilayer liquid. The extract of this liquid decreases liver mass, elevates serum albumin and uric acid levels, and generates a global decrease of blood cells. Storage and consumption of these beverages and adherence to manufacturer instructions is recommended.

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