CONTENT OF CARBOHYDRATES AND TRACE-ELEMEN TS COMPOSITION IN A GROUP OF NON ALCOHOLIC REFRESHMENTS

BACKGROUND: In order to elaborate recommendations for the dietetic car e of diabetic patients and other clinical disorders we have measured t he concentration of carbohydrates and trace elements in a group of non alcoholic refreshments of current use in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty refreshments were classified into 10 groups. Glucose and phosp hate were measured by hexokinase and reduction of phospho-molybdate me thods respectively in an autoanalyzer Dax-72. Glucose and fructose wer e analyzed by cellulose thin-layer chromatography; glucose, fructose a nd sucrose by gas chromatographys. Sodium and potassium by emision spe ctrophotometry and calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Light refreshments and soft dr inks have no carbohydrates. Isotonic beverages, fruit juices, cool tea and non alcoholic beers had less than 10 g/dl. Tonic waters, Fanta(R) , different cotes, non alcoholic bitter and others had more than 10 g/ dl. Sodium levels between 15-20 mEq/l were found in the isotonic bever ages and 7-Up(R) and levels of 7 mEq/l in the others. Potassium values between 15-40 mEq/l were found in the fruit juices, 3-4 mEq/l in Gato rade(R) and less than 1 mEq/l in the others. CONCLUSIONS: Light refres ments and soft drinks contain low concentrations of carbohydrates and sodium. Fruit juices have high potassium concentration. Such informati on cab be especially useful for dietetic care of diabetic patients.