Evaluation of macro and micronutrient elements content from soft drinks using principal component analysis and Kohonen self-organizing maps

Food Chem. 2019 Feb 1:273:9-14. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.06.021. Epub 2018 Jun 5.

Abstract

This study approaches the determination of nine elements from Brazilian carbonated soft drinks of several flavors and manufactures using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). The concentrations of the elements varied as follows: (in µg L-1: Cu: 4.00-78.0; Fe: 74.0-506; Mn: 20.0-66.0; Zn: 104-584) and (in mg L-1: Ca: 4.81-16.2; K: 6.73-260; Na: 26.0-175; S: 1.43-5.41; P: 0.186-219). Principal component analysis has shown some tendencies to form two groups according to the drink flavor (orange and cola), but only cola presented a clear and complete separation. Using Kohonen maps, it was observed a tendency to form three flavor groups: (i) cola, (ii) orange and lemon, and (iii) guarana. However, this last tool proved to be more accurate in the groups' formation.

Keywords: Elemental analysis; ICP OES; Kohonen maps; Neural network; Principal component analysis; Soft drinks.

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Carbonated Beverages / analysis*
  • Flavoring Agents / analysis
  • Food Analysis / methods*
  • Food Analysis / statistics & numerical data*
  • Micronutrients / analysis*
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods*
  • Spectrum Analysis / statistics & numerical data
  • Trace Elements / analysis

Substances

  • Flavoring Agents
  • Micronutrients
  • Trace Elements