A Can of Bull?

By Merle K. Heidemann (rr), Gerald Urquhart

Abstract

This case study is designed to teach students at various levels about large biomolecules, nutrition, and product analysis. Students conduct a biochemical analysis of several popular energy drinks on the market, which many students purchase at fairly high prices, and determine whether these products nutritionally match their marketing claims. The case can be used as a review of basic biochemistry and nutrition for upper level students in physiology, biochemistry, or nutrition courses, or to introduce this information in introductory level courses in these disciplines.

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Date Posted

06/20/2005

Overview

Objectives

Describe and categorize chemically the components of various popular “energy drinks.”
Determine the physiological role of these components in the human body.
Explain scientifically how the marketing claims for these drinks are supported (or not).
Determine under what conditions each of the “energy drinks” might be useful to the consumer.
Write an analysis of energy drinks for a popular magazine.

Keywords

Energy drink; metabolism; food energy; glycolysis; stimulant; caffeine; substance use; nutrient; calorie; Krebs cycle; oxidative phosphorylation; adenosine triphosphate; ATP; Citrus Blast; Red Bull; Adrenaline Rush; Impulse; advertising; marketing claims

Subject Headings

Biochemistry

Biology (General)

Nutrition

Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific argumentation, Science and the media

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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