New isotonic drinks with antioxidant and biological capacities from berries (maqui, açaí and blackthorn) and lemon juice

Abstract

The aim of the study was to design new isotonic drinks with lemon juice and berries: maqui [Aristotelia chilensis (Molina) Stuntz], açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.), following on from previous research. Quality parameters – including colour (CIELab parameters), minerals, phytochemical identification and quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector, total phenolic content by the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, the antioxidant capacity (ABTS⁺, DPPH• and assays) and biological activities (in vitro alpha-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory effects) – were tested in the samples and compared to commercially available isotonic drinks. The new isotonic blends with lemon and anthocyanins-rich berries showed an attractive colour, especially in maqui samples, which is essential for consumer acceptance. Significantly higher antioxidant and biological effects were determined in the new blends, in comparison with the commercial isotonic beverages.

• Berries
• bioactives
• citrus
• diabetes
• isotonic drinks
• obesity

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr David Walker for correction of the English language and style.