Inorganic phosphates can be used in the food industry as additives, preservatives, acidifiers, or colour and flavour enhancers. In the soft and energy drink industry, the most commonly used acidifier is phosphoric acid. Excessive intake of phosphates may pose a potential health risk to humans. The aim of the conducted study was to determine the total phosphate content in samples of commonly consumed energy and soft drinks. The concentration of phosphates was determined using spectrophotometry in 15 different samples of soft and energy drinks available in Belgrade supermarkets. The spectrophotometric method applied was based on the formation of the blue-coloured complex "molybdenum blue" after adding ammonium-molybdate and a reducing agent to the samples, followed by measuring absorbance at the wavelength of 704.5 nm. The obtained results (0.28 mg/L - 539.32 mg/L) were compared with current Serbian and European regulations, and it was found that all 15 tested samples complied with the limits of 937.22 mg/L of phosphates for soft drinks and 669.45 mg/L for carbonated water. Furthermore, all tested samples were acidic, with pH values ranging from 2.75 to 6.50. Although the obtained results indicate that the tested beverages are safe in terms of phosphate content, it is important to note that they are not the only source of phosphates in the diet. Therefore, awareness should be raised regarding the harmful effects of their excessive intake.
Petrović et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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