ALUMINUM CONTENT OF SOFT DRINKS FROM ALUMINUM CANS

The aluminium (Al) content of soft drinks from Al cans has been measur ed during 12 months of storage, by the graphite furnace atomic absorpt ion spectrophotometry (GFAAS) method. The results show that the Al con tent in all soft drinks increased during the whole storage time. This increase was a result of dissolution of Al from the can wall due to th e presence of aggressive ingredients in the soft drinks, mainly acids. The Al content rose with increasing acid concentration and decreasing pH value of the soft drinks. The evaluated possible daily intake of A l (0.8 mg) through consumption of these drinks was practically negligi ble in relation to total daily dietary Al intake, as well as to tolera ble daily intake. Thus, soft drinks from Al cans are an insignificant source of dietary Al intake and it appears that the Al intake from thi s source should not be a cause for concern in regard to Al toxicity fo r the human body.