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Are Vitamins in soda just a gimmick?
Newswise — Crisp, refreshing, effervescent
soda has long been an American favorite but
not for its nutritional value. According to
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia’s
Ara DerMarderosian, PhD, professor of
pharmacognosy, a few leading soft drink
companies are trying to change the public’s
perception of soda by adding vitamins to
their soft drinks. With March noted as
National Nutrition month, it is a good time
for consumers to beware that the perceived
benefits of vitamins in soda can be
deceiving.
“The shelf life and stability of vitamins in
soda is low,” said Dr. DerMarderosian.
“Carbonated drinks are mildly acidic, and
water-soluble vitamins will break down over
time.”
Several sodas are being marketing which
contain vitamins and minerals such as Niacin
(vitamin B3), vitamins B6, B12, zinc, and
magnesium.
But unlike encapsulated vitamins, which are
designed to have prolonged shelf lives and
precise nutritional values, it is uncertain
how long water-soluble vitamins will last in
soda.
According to Dr. DerMarderosian, vitamins in
soda will break down at a faster rate when
the beverage is not refrigerated. Since the
journey from production to the customer can
be lengthy, it is likely that the vitamin
values listed on the side of the can or
bottle are significantly lower by the time
the soda is consumed.
Moreover, he added that the vitamin
concentrations in sodas are usually minute,
and certainly not high enough to make soda
the sole source. “If you’re trying to get
your vitamins from soda you’ll probably
spend a lot of money, and still not get
significant amounts,” he said.
So how can you get these vitamins and
minerals in your daily diet? “Make your own
healthy drinks from scratch, like orange
juice or green tea,” recommended Dr.
DerMarderosian. “And eat fruits and
vegetables along with a variety of meats and
fish which contain the essential nutrients
you need to reach the recommended daily
values.”
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