Cuantificación de aspartame y acesulfame de potasio en bebidas gaseosas expendidas en los supermercados de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

Due to the possible carcinogenic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects of artificial non-caloric sweeteners and the massive consumption of products with these additives, their use has been very controversial. There are norms that establish the maximum limits of sweeteners that must be present in such beverages; however, maintaining control of these concentrations is due to the general rules of food labeling, the manufacturer is not obliged to place the quantities of sweetener that the product has. The objective of this study was to quantify sweeteners in soft drinks that are sold in supermarkets in the city of Cuenca, by constructing a calibration curve for both Aspartame and Acesulfame potassium by the UV spectrophotometry method and monitor that the maximum levels of 600 mg / kg for both Aspartame and Acesulfame potassium established in the CODEX STAN standard (192-1995) are not exceeded.

Sixteen drinks were found with Aspartame and Acesulfame potassium. "Pepsi Light" is the one with the highest concentration of Acesulfame de Potassium, and "Sprite Zero" has the lowest concentration. In the case of Aspartame, "Más" gaseous drink has the highest concentration and "Pepsi Zero" has the lowest concentration.

The statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test, which shows that the existing concentration of sweeteners complies with the norm and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there is no difference between the sampling points.