Diet Beverages Research Articles

ISETECH-Statistics and Machine Learning Based Decision-Making for Diet Beverage Choice and Recommendation through Software Application

Positioned within the realm of ubiquitous beverage chains acclaimed for their diverse coffee and tea offerings, this investigation deeply explores the intricate nutritional dynamics and caloric compositions of these widely consumed beverages. At its core, the research aims to streamline decision-making for individuals actively seeking health-conscious beverage alternatives. This comprehensive endeavour unfolds through an integrated methodology that combines hypothesis testing and other statistical techniques with the establishment of a robust decision support system, complemented by powerful machine learning techniques. Distinctively, the paper integrates an intuitive React application (ReactApp) into the robust Fast API framework. Users engage seamlessly with the decision support system, as Fast API efficiently manages data processing, interfaces with machine learning algorithms, and delivers personalized recommendations to the ReactApp front. In essence, this interdisciplinary initiative epitomizes the fusion of nutritional science, statistical analysis, machine learning, and modern web technologies, providing a holistic and pioneering solution for selecting health-conscious beverage alternatives. One of the most noteworthy outcomes of our research lies in the compelling results we've achieved. Our predictive model has demonstrated exceptional performance: We achieved an impressive Accuracy Rate of 83.67%, signifying the high precision of our recommendations in identifying health-conscious beverage alternatives. Simultaneously, the F1-Score, which harmonizes precision and recall, stands at a commendable 82.21%, indicating a well-balanced and effective decision support system. Our model's ability to recall health-conscious choices is also strong, with a Recall rate of 83.67%. Furthermore, we assessed the model's agreement with observed data using Cohen's Kappa, which yielded a substantial score of 78.01%. This indicates not only the model's predictive power but also its ability to capture agreement beyond what might occur by chance alone. These results, seamlessly integrated into our research narrative, underscore the effectiveness and reliability of our approach. They constitute a rare and valuable contribution to the field, promising a novel pathway for informed and health-driven consumer choices, firmly supported by our rigorous methodology and advanced machine learning outcomes.

Microscopic and Color Changes in Direct Dental Restorative Composite Resins upon Immersion in Beverages: Characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).

This study aimed to evaluate the staining sensitivity and surface changes in recent composite resins (Herculite Ultra XRV (Kerr, Bolzano, Italy), G-ænial A'CHORD (GC Corp, Tokyo, Japan), and Omnichroma (Yamaguchi, Japan)) when exposed to common beverages such as coffee, red wine, and Coca-Cola. A total of 60 disk-shaped specimens were prepared from three different resin composites (n = 20 each). The specimens were exposed to coffee, red wine, and Coca-Cola for 10 days. Color measurements were taken using a spectrophotometer, and surface morphology and elemental composition were analyzed using SEM and EDS. The SEM and EDS analyses revealed significant changes in the surface morphology and elemental composition of the composites after immersion. Coffee and wine caused significant surface degradation, whereas Coca-Cola resulted in the greatest degree of surface and elemental variations. Color changes (ΔE = 4 ± 0.52) were most notable in Coca-Cola for Herculite Ultra XRV (Kerr, Italy), in red wine for G-ænial A'CHORD (GC Corp, Japan) (ΔE = 12.51 ± 0.38), and in coffee for Omnichroma (Yamaguchi, Japan) (ΔE = 10.85 ± 1.03). The tested beverages significantly affected both the surface condition and the chemical composition of the resin at the surface level. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the effects of common dietary beverages on dental composites.

Intergenerational transmission of sucralose and acesulfame-potassium from mothers to their infants via human milk: a pharmacokinetic study

BackgroundLow-calorie sweetener (LCS) consumption is prevalent among lactating mothers, yet infants’ exposure to LCS in human milk is not well-characterized. ObjectivesConduct a pharmacokinetic study of sucralose and acesulfame-potassium (ace-K) in mothers’ milk and plasma over 72 h and in infants’ plasma. MethodsFollowing baseline blood and milk collection, mothers (n = 40) consumed 20 oz of diet cranberry juice containing sucralose and ace-K. Blood samples were collected from the mother 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after beverage ingestion, and milk was expressed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h postingestion. One blood sample was collected from each infant, the timing of which was determined using pharmacokinetics model-based simulation. Concentration-time profiles of LCS from the mother’s plasma and milk were analyzed using noncompartmental methods. ResultsAce-K rapidly entered human milk with the largest observed concentration of 373.0 (coefficient of variation 69%) ng/mL first detected 4 h following diet beverage ingestion. Sucralose appeared in human milk 1–2 h after diet beverage ingestion with the largest observed concentration of 7.2 (coefficient of variation 63%) ng/mL first detected 7 h postingestion. The mean 24-h milk to plasma ratio of ace-K was 1.75 [standard deviation (SD) 1.37] with a mean relative infant dose of 1.59% (SD 1.72%). Ace-K was detected in all infants’ plasma with an mean concentration of 9.2 (SD% 14.8) ng/mL ∼6 h after maternal beverage ingestion. The mean 24-h milk to plasma ratio of sucralose was 0.15 (SD 0.06) with a mean relative infant dose of 0.04% (SD 0.02%). Sucralose was detected in only 15 infants’ plasma, and the mean concentration was 5.0 (SD% 7.1) ng/mL ∼5 h after diet beverage ingestion. ConclusionsAce-K rapidly transfers from human milk into infants’ circulation whereas sucralose was detected at much lower concentrations and in some but not all infants. Future research should investigate the effects of early-life sucralose and ace-K exposure via human milk on infants’ health.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05379270.

The Effect of Substituting Water for Diet Beverages on Blood Pressure and Lipids in People With Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): The Study of Drinks With Artificial Sweeteners (SODAS)

The Effect of Substituting Water for Diet Beverages on Blood Pressure and Lipids in People With Type 2 Diabetes (T2D): The Study of Drinks With Artificial Sweeteners (SODAS)

Abstract P194: Consumption of Added Sugar and Added Sugar-Rich Foods and Beverages is Associated With Accelerated Epigenetic Aging in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Background: Added sugar (AS) and AS-rich foods and beverages have shown unfavorable associations with overall and cardiovascular health; however, their associations with epigenetic age has not been studied. Aim: To examine the associations of AS intake and AS-rich carbohydrate (CHO) food score with the pace of epigenetic aging in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Methods: There were 850 adults included in this cross-sectional study using data from Year 20 (2005-06). Trained interviewers administered a diet history, and foods were coded using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR), which outputs nutrients, including AS, and food groups. An AS-rich CHO food score was created including refined grain breads and rolls, quick breads, sweet bakery products, ready-to-eat cereals, candy, sugar products, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Year 20 epigenetic age measures were calculated from DNA methylation data, generating acceleration measures GrimAge acceleration (GrimAA) and PhenoAge acceleration (PhenoAA). Multivariable linear regression evaluated the associations of GrimAA and PhenoAA across quartiles of AS and AS-rich CHO food score, adjusted for demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (see footnotes in table). Results: Participants who consumed more AS completed fewer years of education, were less likely to be current drinkers or smokers, and more likely to be ever smokers. They had lower intakes of total CHO, protein, total fat, and saturated fat, and fewer servings of vegetables, red and processed meat, eggs, and diet beverages. Consuming more AS was positively associated with PhenoAA (p trend =0.029), but not GrimAA (p trend =0.85). The AS-rich CHO food score was also positively associated with PhenoAA (p trend <0.001), but not GrimAA (p trend =0.14). Conclusions: Consuming greater amounts of AS and AS-rich CHO foods and beverages were associated with an increased risk for accelerated epigenetic aging.

Proliv Essence-3 (PE3): a nutricosmetic botanical blend as a dietary beverage for skin wellness and general health

Proliv Essence-3 (PE3): a nutricosmetic botanical blend as a dietary beverage for skin wellness and general health

A Diet Pattern Characterized by Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Is Associated with Lower Decision-Making Performance in the Iowa Gambling Task, Elevated Stress Exposure, and Altered Autonomic Nervous System Reactivity in Men and Women.

The executive brain mediates and facilitates a set of cognitive functions, such as decision making, planning, self-regulation, emotional regulation, and attention. Executive dysfunction and related diseases are a rising public health concern. Evidence supports a link between nutritional factors and executive function (EF), but relatively little information exists about the relationship between diet patterns and this higher order cognitive ability. We and others have reported on the relationships between body weight regulation and affective decision making, as measured by performance in the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). However, little is known about the relationships between performance in this decision-making task and whole diet patterns. In this study, we tested whether data-derived diet patterns based on energy-adjusted food intake data from the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire were associated with decision-making performance in the IGT. Secondarily, we examined the influence of these diet patterns on self-reported chronic stress exposure and heart rate variability, which is a marker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. In prior studies, stress and ANS activity were shown to influence decision-making performance in the IGT. In this study, five distinct diet patterns were identified by cluster and factor analyses. A diet pattern best characterized by elevated sugar-sweetened beverage and added sugar consumption was associated with the lowest decision-making performance (p = 0.0049) and higher stress exposure (p = 0.0097). This same diet pattern was associated (p = 0.0374) with an IGT-affiliated decline in high-frequency HRV and an increase in low-frequency HRV, suggesting diet-induced ANS regulatory shifts in response to performing the EF task. Compared to the sugar-sweetened beverage diet pattern, diet patterns defined by more fruits/vegetables and low red meat (p = 0.0048) or higher omega-3 fatty acids and seafood (p = 0.0029) consumption were associated with lower chronic stress exposure. All outcomes were statistically adjusted for differences in BMI, age, sex, education level, and sensorimotor ability. Our findings provide new information that further supports the potential importance of whole diet patterns on cognitive disease prevention.

Long-term aspartame and saccharin intakes are related to greater volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue: the CARDIA study

BackgroundArtificial sweetener (ArtSw) intakes have been previously associated with higher BMI in observational studies and may promote visceral and skeletal muscle adipose tissue (AT) accumulation. This study aimed to determine whether habitual, long-term ArtSw or diet beverage intakes are related to greater AT depot volumes and anthropometry-related outcomes.MethodsA validated diet history questionnaire was administered at baseline, year 7, and year 20 examinations in 3088 men and women enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults cohort (CARDIA), mean age of 25.2 years and mean BMI of 24.5 kg/m2 at baseline. Volumes of visceral (VAT), intermuscular (IMAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were assessed by computed tomography at year 25. Linear regression evaluated associations of aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, total ArtSw, and diet beverage intakes with AT volumes, anthropometric measures, and 25-year change in anthropometry. Cox regression estimated associations of ArtSw with obesity incidence. Adjustments were made for demographic and lifestyle factors, total energy intake, and the 2015 healthy eating index.ResultsTotal ArtSw, aspartame, saccharin, and diet beverage intakes were positively associated with VAT, SAT, and IMAT volumes (all ptrend ≤ 0.001), but no associations were observed for sucralose intake (all ptrend > 0.05). In addition, total ArtSw, saccharin, aspartame, and diet beverage intakes were associated with greater body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, and their increases over a 25-year period. Except for saccharin (ptrend = 0.13), ArtSw, including diet soda, was associated with greater risks of incident obesity over a median 17.5-year follow-up (all ptrend < 0.05).ConclusionsResults suggest that long-term intakes of aspartame, saccharin, or diet soda may increase AT deposition and risk of incident obesity independent of diet quality or caloric intake. Coupled with previous evidence, alternatives to national recommendations to replace added sugar with ArtSw should be considered since both may have health consequences.

P23-059-23 The Effect of Substituting Water for Diet Beverages on Diet Quality in People With Type 2 Diabetes: The Study of Drinks With Artificial Sweeteners (SODAS), a Randomized Trial

P23-059-23 The Effect of Substituting Water for Diet Beverages on Diet Quality in People With Type 2 Diabetes: The Study of Drinks With Artificial Sweeteners (SODAS), a Randomized Trial

44-LB: The Effect of Substituting Water for Diet Beverages on CGM Metrics in People with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)—The Study of Drinks with Artificial Sweeteners (SODAS)

Objectives: Diet beverages (DB) are the largest contributor to artificial sweetener intake in the U.S. diet. People with T2D are the highest consumers of DB, tending to consume them in place of added sugar, especially sugar-sweetened beverages. However, there is little evidence on the health impact of habitual DB consumption by people with T2D. To inform this topic we conducted a randomized trial. Methods: The SODAS study is a two-arm parallel trial with a run-in period of 2 weeks and 24 week intervention that randomized 181 adults with T2D (HbA1c 6.5 - ≤ 8.5%), age 35+ years, who were usual consumers of commercial DB to receive and consume either: 1) A commercial DB of choice (24 oz. daily); or 2) Unflavored sparkling or flat bottled water of choice (H2O) (24 oz. daily). Outcomes include measures of clinical diabetes control and mechanisms that may alter clinical risk. Here we report preliminary secondary outcome results from continuous glucose monitor (CGM) metrics. Participants wore a blinded, Abbott Freestyle Libre CGM for 3, 2-week periods (run-in, week 12, week 24). We conducted an intent to treat analysis to assess the between-arm difference in change of CGM metric from baseline-week 12- week 24 via linear mixed regression models. Results: 179 participants will have complete data when study finishes collection in late March 2023, and 166 had provided complete data at the time of analysis. Participants were a mean age of 58 years, and 55% were men. Time in range (TIR, % of readings 70-180 mg/dL) decreased in both arms and at week 24 the mean TIR for DB was 71.3 (SE 2.8) v. 64.3 (SE 2.8) for H2O, difference of means 7.0 (95% CI -0.7, 14.8), P=0.08). Glycemic variability (%CV) was 27.0 (SE 0.8) for DB at week 24 v. 28.7 (SE 0.8) for H2O, difference in means 1.6 (95% CI -3.8, 0.5), P=0.13. Conclusions: Preliminarily, in people with T2D who habitually consumed DB, there were no significant differences in CGM metrics when substituting H20 intake for DB. Disclosure A. Odegaard: None. A. Bantle: None. E. R. Seaquist: Consultant; Zucara Therapeutics. A. Reikes: Other Relationship; GlaxoSmithKline plc. M. A. Pereira: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK117028)

An Ecological Validity Model for the Prevention of Obesity: Non-Nutritive Sweetener Consumption in Rats and the Effects of Switching from Sugar-Sweetened to Diet Beverages.

Reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been encouraged due to its strong association with obesity. In parallel, consumption of “diet” or non-nutritive sweetened (NNS) beverages has significantly increased. This has led to burgeoning numbers of animal studies investigating metabolic consequences of NNS beverage consumption. However, most animal study designs do not reflect the way humans consume NNS drinks, thus reducing translational capacity. The present experiment aimed to find an ecologically valid model of NNS consumption and evidence of metabolic recovery following a switch from sucrose to NNS in female and male Sprague Dawley rats. The main behavioural outcome was consumption of commercially available NNS beverages during preference and acceptance testing, with changes to consumption following chronic sucrose consumption as a secondary outcome. The main metabolic outcome was retroperitoneal fat pad mass at culling, with body weight gain and fasting blood glucose levels (FBGLs) as secondary outcomes. In a two-phase experiment, behavioural tests were performed before and after 4 weeks of ad libitum access to 10% w/v sucrose. During Phase 2, the rats were given ad libitum access to assigned commercial NNS drinks for a further 4 weeks, with controls provided access to water only. FBGLs were measured at the end of Phases 1 and 2. Female and male rats accepted commercially available NNS beverages, although the volumes consumed varied considerably. Following the switch from sucrose to NNS (containing no sucrose), no group difference was observed in retroperitoneal fat mass, body weight change or FBGLs, suggesting both sexes exhibited limited metabolic recovery. These findings demonstrate that an ecologically valid model for NNS consumption can be developed for some commercially available NNS beverages to further enhance translational capacity.

Water for weight loss.

Does increasing water intake lead to weight loss? Results of small to moderate size studies with widely variable designs and compliance issues are inconsistent. Replacing caloric beverages with diet beverages (DBs) or water inconsistently improved weight loss; replacing DBs with water produced

Erosive Effect of Acidic Beverages and Dietary Preservatives on Extracted Human Teeth-An In Vitro Analysis.

Frequent consumption of acidic beverages and dietary preservatives in younger generation, diet-conscious (celebrities), and obese individuals have a rapid impact on demineralization of the teeth. An attempt was made to analyze the erosive potential of various acidic beverages. One hundred and ninety extracted human permanent teeth were sectioned longitudinally, pre-weighed, randomly grouped, and placed in nine acidic beverages (200 mL) with predetermined pH, i.e., three commercially available fruit juices, three carbonated drinks, and three dietary preservatives. The sectioned specimens (n = 10) were analyzed at time intervals of 12, 24, 48, and 96 days. Mean weight loss was calculated, and surface changes were assessed under a stereomicroscope. The demineralization pattern and microscopic changes were observed under a compound and polarizing microscope. One-way analysis of variance test followed by Tukey's post-hoc analysis was employed. Overall the maximum demineralizing effect was caused by vinegar and apple cider. In the fruit juices category, lemon juice induced significant changes, while in the carbonated drinks category Coca-Cola induced the maximum changes and in the category of food preservatives vinegar induced the maximum changes. Severe discoloration was seen with respect to Coca-Cola followed by Mountain Dew (carbonated drink). The present study is unique as three different types of microscopes have been employed and both dentin and enamel of permanent teeth have been analyzed. In addition, the effect of dietary preservatives on hard tissues was evaluated. Oral health educators can reinforce important practices such as decreasing the frequency of consumption and time duration of beverage contact with the teeth. Also, the use of mouth rinses and buffering agents after the consumption of dietary beverages can be advocated along with regular fluoride application for those who are regular consumers.

Diet drinks and dental caries among U.S. adults: cluster analysis.

In recent years, the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages has been declining, while low calorie sweetener and diet beverage consumption is increasing. Evidence about the effect of diet drinks on dental caries is insufficient, and has not accounted for the complexity of beverage consumption patterns. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the association between consuming diet drinks and dental caries among US adults. We analyzed 2011-2014 NHANES dietary data of adults using cluster analysis, with individuals grouped based on their beverage consumption. Clusters were identified based on the R-square statistic and the local peak of the pseudo F statistic. Survey procedure and sample weights were used to account for the complex NHANES sampling design. Four beverage consumption patterns were identified: "high soda", "high diet drinks", "high coffee/tea" and "high water". The "High soda" cluster was the only one associated with higher DMFT after controlling for confounders (β=1.02, 95% CI=0.42 - 1.63), whereas DT was associated with "high soda" (β=0.45, 95% CI=0.25 - 0.64) and "high coffee/tea" (β=0.24, 95% CI=0.01 - 0.47). On the other hand, the "high diet drinks" cluster was neither associated with DMFT (β=0.69, 95% CI=0.51 - -0.35) nor DT (β=0.07, 95% CI=-0.21 - 0.35). Diet drinks consumption may not be associated with increased risk of dental caries. However, more studies should be conducted in order to confirm this finding.

Toxicological and Nutraceutical Screening Assays of Some Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are food additives worldwide used instead of fructose or glucose in many diet beverages. Furthermore, diet beverages intake has been increasing every year. Thus, some food agencies should regulate it based on toxicological studies. Debates and controversial results are demonstrated, and authority can revise its decision on the basis of new data reporting toxicological effects since cyclamate has been forbidden in some countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report new data about the toxicity of acesulfame-k, aspartame, and cyclamate, which are useful for authority agencies, determining the toxic potential and nutraceutical capabilities of these compounds. The toxicity, antitoxicity, genotoxicity, antigenotoxicity, and life expectancy assays were carried out in Drosophila as an in vivo model. In addition, in vitro HL-60 line cell was used to evaluate the chemopreventive activity determining the cytotoxic effect and the capability of producing DNA damage due to internucleosomal fragmentation or DNA strand breaks. Furthermore, the methylated status of these cancer cells treated with the tested compounds was assayed as a cancer therapy. Our results demonstrated that all tested compounds were neither toxic nor genotoxic, whereas these compounds resulted in antigenotoxic and cytotoxic substances, except for cyclamate. Aspartame showed antitoxic effects in Drosophila. All tested compounds decreased the quality of life of this in vivo organism model. Acesulfame-k, aspartame, and cyclamate induced DNA damage in the HL-60 cell line in the comet assay, and acesulfame-k generally increased the methylation status. In conclusion, all tested artificial sweeteners were safe compounds at assayed concentrations since toxicity and genotoxicity were not significantly induced in flies. Moreover, Aspartame and Cyclamate showed protective activity against a genotoxin in Drosophila Regarding nutraceutical potential, acesulfame-k and aspartame could be demonstrated to be chemopreventive due to the cytotoxicity activity shown by these compounds. According to DNA fragmentation and comet assays, a necrotic way could be the main mechanism of death cells induced by acesulfame-k and aspartame. Finally, Acesulfame-K hypermethylated repetitive elements, which are hypomethylated in cancer cells resulting in a benefit to humans.

Functional blueberry beverages with the addition of Arabic Gum

Introduction: This study aimed to add value to Arabic Gum (AG) and the blueberry discarded harvest from Northwest of Argentina, developing functional dietary beverages with AG at three concentrations of 0; 5; 10 and 15 g/100 mL, and to assess the sensory acceptability, physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties. Material and methods: Blueberries (BB) at 30 g/100 mL and steviol glycosides (0.03 g/100 mL) were used. Results: The beverage with 10 g/100 mL of AG had the best scores for sensory acceptability and was preferred by consumers. It has a pH of 3.88, soluble solid content of 14.97 °Brix, density of 1.05 g/cm3 and a colour which showed a tendency from red to blue. The Total Caloric Value (per 100 mL of beverage) was 53.4 Kcal, 13.53 g of carbohydrates, 8.80 g of total dietary fibre, and a sodium content of 12.26 mg. The total polyphenol content was 214.23 mg GAE /100 g. Conclusions: The serving size of functional beverage covers 70% of the daily dietary fibre recommendation.

Comparing the Effects of Four Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels on Consumer Purchases of Five Common Beverages and Snack Foods: Results from a Randomized Trial.

Front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling systems differ in how they rate food and beverage products. There is a need to examine the implications of these differences, including their focus on nutrients of public health concern. Our aim was to examine the impacts of 4 common FOP labels on consumers' purchases of products that received conflicting ratings across FOP systems. In an experimental marketplace, participants were randomized to complete a series of purchases under 1 of 5 FOP conditions: no label, "high in" nutrient labels, multiple traffic light, Health Star Rating, or a 5-color nutrition grade. A final sample of 3,584 Canadians (13 years and older) were recruited from shopping centers in March to May2018. Probability of purchasing was assessed for 5 product categories (100% fruit juice, plain milk, chocolate milk, cheese snacks, and diet beverages), which received conflicting ratings across the FOP conditions. Separate generalized linear mixed models estimated the influence of FOP condition on 5 binary outcomes (1= purchased, 0= not purchased) corresponding to the product categories. Few differences were observed among the full sample. Among participants who noticed the labels (n= 1,993), those in the Health Star Rating condition were 4.5 percentage points (95% CI -7.0 to -1.9) more likely to purchase 100% fruit juice (compared to multiple traffic light) and 3.3 (95% CI 0.4 to 6.2) and 3.0 percentage points (95% CI 0.1 to 6.1) more likely to purchase cheese snacks (compared to no label and "high in"). "High in" labels produced fewer purchases of chocolate milk than no label. Despite some similarities, existing FOP systems differ in the extent to which they promote or dissuade purchases of common product categories. Although the Health Star Rating might encourage purchases of products with certain positive nutritional attributes, "high in" and multiple traffic light systems might more effectively discourage purchases of products contributing nutrients of public health concern.

Reply to Vale et al. Comment on "Zhong et al. Sugar-Sweetened and Diet Beverage Consumption in Philadelphia One Year after the Beverage Tax. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1336".

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the recent letter to the editor regarding our paper "Sugar-Sweetened and Diet Beverage Consumption in Philadelphia One Year after the Beverage Tax" [...].

Comment on Zhong et al. Sugar-Sweetened and Diet Beverage Consumption in Philadelphia One Year after the Beverage Tax. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1336.

In February 2020, the paper "Sugar-Sweetened and Diet Beverage Consumption in Philadelphia One Year after the Beverage Tax" was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [...].

Nutritional Compositions of Optimally Processed Umqombothi (a South African Indigenous Beer)

Umqombothi (a South African indigenous beer) is an important dietary beverage for many undernourished, low-income consumers in rural, semi-urban and urban areas. Umqombothi was brewed using optimal conditions earlier obtained and compared to the customary beer brew (CB) and mixed raw ingredients (RI). The products were evaluated for proximate compositions, minerals, amino acids, B-group vitamins, and sugar compounds. The optimised beer brew (OPB) was relatively higher in energy (165 kcal), crude protein (8.6%), and ash content (1.0%). The CB had the highest concentration of sodium (299.8 mg/kg), magnesium (1170.5 mg/kg), potassium (2993.8 mg/kg), and phosphorus (2100.7 mg/kg). Glutamic acid was the highest detected amino acid, with concentrations of 1.5 g/100 g, 1.5 g/100 g, and 1.6 g/100 g in the RI, CB, and OPB, respectively. The OPB contained a higher concentration of the two forms of vitamin B3, nicotinamide (0.2 µg/g) and nicotinic acid (0.7 µg/g) in comparison to the CB. The concentration of the antioxidant, mannitol, was 0.4 mg/g, 0.2 mg/g, and 2.0 mg/g in the RI, CB, and OPB respectively. Overall, OPB displayed a desirable nutritional profile compared to the CB.