Glutamate and Caffeine intake of Some Snacks and Drinks in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the intake level of glutamate and caffeine from some snacks and drinks. The survey was carried out during 2008 to 2009 in 3 selected governorates (Al-Hassa, Al- Katif and AD-Dammam) localized in the eastern area of Saudi Arabia. The age of study participants (298) was ranged between less than 4 – over 30 years. The snacks and drinks consumption data were gathered and calculated using the frequency methods. Forty nine samples of snacks and beverages were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for glutamate and caffeine contents. The results indicated that total intake of snacks, chocolates and drinks were significantly correlated (spearman r = 0.856, 0.591, 0.943, p = 0.0) with total intake of glutamate and caffeine. The mean of caffeine intake was 40.4± 44.5 mg, while the mean of glutamate intake was 0.134± 0.146 mg. The highest concentration of glutamate was in Pringles with Ketchup (0.420), Bugles Smoking BBQ (0.660) and Indomie with Vegetables (0.860). The high caffeine concentrations of Kit Kat, Ulker and Galaxy samples were 166, 165.5, and 134.5 mg/kg respectively, while the beverages, the high caffeine concentrations were presented in energy drinks like Red bull (345.5), Power Horse (339.0) and Bugzy(333.0) mg/L. The children aged between 4– 8 were the most consumers of snacks which containing glutamate, while the adolescents consumed more chocolates and beverages which containing caffeine. These finding suggests that consumption of salty snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages is mounting between important categories in the community, so interventions focusing on increasing physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption will have an impact on obesity control and promoting health.