Effect of Halogen-Treated Water on Micronutrients in Military Ration Beverages

摘要

Halogen-micronutrient interactions in reconstituted military beverages were measured. Effects of halogen on micronutrient content and vice versa were determined. Halogen in purified water is completely destroyed upon mixing with standard beverage bases, whether the resulting beverage is acid or neutral. Both fortified and unfortified beverages have this effect--due to reactivity of beverage components, especially flavors and colors. The most reactive vitamin tested was ascorbic acid, which instantaneously removed all halogen from purified water. Even encapsulation did not completely counteract this effect. It was concluded that the effect of halogenating agent on micronutrient content of reconstituted beverages was negligible due to the presence of extremely reactive substances in beverage formulations and the large excess of ascorbic acid in most beverages. Commercially available encapsulation of vitamins will not protect halogens from reaction. Strict adherence to military field recommendations for water purification is required for microbiological safety when treated is added to the beverage bases now in rations. Keywords: Halogens; Iodine; Chlorine; Rations; Beverages; Nutrients; Water treatment; Micronutrients; Vitamins; Military rations; Food processing. (KT)