University teams up to research healthier energy drinks
Cedarville University and CAHV Holdings have teamed up to find an alternative for energy drinks that are high in artificial sugars.
A single 16-ounce energy drink may contain up to 62 grams of added sugar, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This exceeds the maximum amount of added sugars recommended for an entire day.
The formula the university and company are working on is a safer alternative to other energy drinks because the sugar components are more natural, said Dr. Rocco Rotello, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Cedarville University.
“As a result, the new energy drink should reduce the side effects, like headaches and cardiovascular risks, that you get from the heavy sugar and caffeine doses,” Rotello said.
CAHV Holdings is a startup wellness company that is based in West Chester Twp. The company developed a formula as a pre-performance drink that works with the biochemistry of the human body, according to a press release.
The drink uses natural components that promote the blood flow to muscles, which results in alertness and response time for the person consuming it, the university said.
“Cedarville University has excellent research facilities and works to collaborate across departments as well as with organizations that align with our university mission,” said Dr. April Crommett, associate professor of exercise science. “This particular project will allow students to develop lab skills while also advancing a product that has good potential.”
Rotello and the school of pharmacy will research the alternative through the Center for Pharmacy Innovation. This is a collaboration with the Cedarville exercise science program to discover if the formula works as intended.
The pilot study began at the end of January and will continue throughout February.