Comparison of antioxidant capacity of commonly consumed youth beverages in the United States

Epidemiological evidence supports that polyphenol-rich foods with high antioxidant potency promote health and may influence various metabolic diseases' development. Often beverage products claim to have antioxidant potency based on the perceived polyphenol content; however, few studies have examined the antioxidant potency of beverages with none reporting on commonly consumed youth beverages. This study's purpose was to measure total antioxidant capacity (TAC), expressed in Trolox equivalents (lmol mL(-1)), in a variety of youth beverages, including juices, vitamin enhanced waters, sport drinks, energy drinks and various milk products. Significantly higher TAC (3.8-6.7 mu mol mL(-1)) was measured in 100% juices, while vitamin enhanced waters varied by brand (0.2-3.1 mu mol mL(-1)). Soda, energy and sports drinks measured the least activity (0.0-0.3 mu mol mL(-1)), whereas other milk types (strawberry, organic, regular and soya) measured no activity, except chocolate milk (3.0 mu mol mL(-1)). These results may improve beverage selection practices for youth, parents and dietitians to increase TAC of the paediatric diet.