Lawrence Albert D. Yusay (March 2010)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Ascorbic acid (C₂H₂O) is a sugar acid with antioxidant properties. Its appearance is white to light-yellow crystals or powder, and it is water-soluble. One form of ascorbic acid is commonly known as vitamin C. Ascorbic Acid is an extremely valuable vitamin as it plays a part in so many body functions. A common source of ascorbic acid would be fruit drinks. Currently, fruit juice drinks which are made with only 5%-10% fruit juice becomes a part of the American diet. Fruit drinks are known to be the second largest source of ascorbic acid for children of all ages and about 17% of Vitamin C for children age 2-5.
The aims of this study are to measure the ascorbic acid content amount of commercial fruit drinks in terms of milligrams per 250 milliliters and to compare it to the BFAD approved amount
One hundred milliliters of each juice sample was prepared. Twenty five milliliters of each fruit juice sample was then titrated to determine how much ascorbic acid each sample contains Titration was repeated thrice. Determination of ascorbic acid content was the determined using stoichiometry.
Ok, DewC, Fiesta, and Ice Pop contamed 560.4 milligrams per liter, 101.9 milligrams per Iiter, 38.2 milligrams per liter and 25.5 milligrams per liter of ascorbic acid, respectively.
Ok showed the greatest ascorbic acid content among the tested commercial drinks, while Ice Pop showed the least. Out of the four tested commercial drinks, only Ice Pop was unable to pass the BFAD approved standards.