A Study on Vitamin C Content of Nutrition Emphasized Products

Abstract

Objectives: Vitamin C has various functions such as antioxidative effect and supporting absorption of iron (Fe). Aim of this present study was to provide vitamin C nutrition information and to briefly evaluate absorption interaction of vitamin C and Fe content of vitamin C emphasized products. Methods: Vitamin C emphasized foods including beverages, cereal, snacks, chocolate products, other cocoa products, and sugary products were examined by HPLC. Fe contents in samples after dry-ashing were examined by ICP. Results: Vitamin C content ranges in various products tested were the following: beverages (n=11) 20.15 ± 0.08~845.41 ± 6.07 mg, cereal (n=11) 52.50 ± 0.23~262.50 ± 0.07 mg, snacks (n=1) 50.00 ± 0.25 mg, chocolate products (n=1) 311.73 ± 2.44 mg, other cocoa products (n=1) 311.73 ± 2.44 mg, other sugary products (n=2) 52.50 ± 0.23~262.50 ± 0.07 mg. Vitamin C (n=27) analysis values ranged from 82 to 450% of the labeled value. Vitamin C content in vitamin C emphasized food (n=6) was estimated 7.7 times~56.6 times more than Fe content. Conclusions: Analyzed samples ranged more than 80% of the labeled value in vitamin C emphasized products, which complied with food labeling regulation. But, beverages (n=3), cereal (n=4), chocolate products (n=1) were 2 times more than the labeled value. To provide accurate nutrition information, food manufactures should supervise nutrition labeling and understand the interactions between nutrients. Also, consumer should decide about the adequate amount of nutrient intake by thoroughly checking nutrition labeling.