Production of hydrogen peroxide by redox-active ingredients in beverages

Functional beverages are highly consumed worldwide and can contain multiple ingredients including anti-oxidants, with the intention of synergistically boosting health effects. However, the redox chemistry of mixtures of anti-oxidants is poorly understood. This study explores how functional beverages (Energy and sports drinks, and orange juice) can produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of oxygen. In spite of its presumed anti-oxidant activities, the production of H2O2 is strongly potentiated by ascorbic acid and modulated by other anti-oxidants. Elevated levels of H2O2 were found in some synthetic formulations (i.e. Energy drinks) and natural extracts (i.e. orange juice). The presence of proteins provided effective suppression of H2O2 as was demonstrated in orange juice using a non-nutritional protein fraction prepared from mustard seed.