Investigating the Vitamin C Content of Fruit Juices

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Summary

This practical investigation aimed to determine which juice, orange, pineapple, or grapefruit, contains the most vitamin C and to calculate the percentage of vitamin C in each fruit juice. Vitamin C is important for collagen production, wound healing, and immune system function. The hypothesis was that orange juice would contain the most vitamin C. The investigation used DCPIP as the dependent variable, and 1% vitamin C solution as the control variable. The apparatus used included a range of fruit juices, standard 1% vitamin C solution, DCPIP, pipettes, and test tubes. The method involved adding drops of each fruit juice or vitamin C solution to the DCPIP until it turned colorless/slightly pink, and recording the amount used. Hazards and safe use of apparatus were also important considerations.

Table of Content

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient present in specific foods. It serves as an antioxidant and safeguards cells against harm caused by free radicals. Furthermore, vitamin C has a crucial function in collagen synthesis, which is essential for wound healing.

The objective of the investigation was to ascertain which fruit juice, specifically orange, pineapple, or grapefruit, contained the greatest concentration of vitamin C. Furthermore, it aimed to quantify the percentage of vitamin C in each juice. Vitamin C is recognized for its capacity to improve the absorption of iron from plant-based foods and bolster the immune system’s ability to combat diseases.

The hypothesis was that Orange juice contains the most vitamin C. To test this, a practical experiment was conducted using various fruit juices as the independent variable. The dependent variable used in the experiment was DCPIP (dichlorophenolindolphenol) 1%, a blue dye that loses color when reduced. The goal was to measure how much fruit juice is needed to completely remove color from or slightly pinken 1cm3 of DCPIP. A control variable consisting of a 1% solution of vitamin C underwent similar treatment as the fruit juices.

When conducting a practical investigation, it is vital to acknowledge and address any potential hazards that may be present. Hazards encompass situations that can endanger life, health, property, or the environment [2]. It is of utmost importance to handle the equipment with caution and adhere to safety measures throughout the investigation. The specific apparatus employed in this inquiry consists of:

  • Range of fruit juices
  • Standard 1% vitamin C solution
  • DCPIP 1%
  • Pipettes precise to 1cm3
  • Test tubes * Test tube rack

Method

  1. Pipette 1 cm3 of 1% DCPIP solution into a test tube.
  2. Pipette 1% vitamin C solution drop by drop to the DCPIP solution. Shaking the test tube gently after each drop. Continue to add drops of the vitamin C solution until the blue colour of the DCPIP has turned colourless/slightly pink.
  3. Record the exact amount of the vitamin C solution that was added to decolourise the DCPIP solution.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 twice and average the result.
  5. Repeat step 2 using each fruit juice in turn instead of 1% vitamin C solution.

Repeat the process two times and find the average of the outcome.

References

  • http://ods. od. nih. gov/factsheets/VitaminC-QuickFacts/
  • http://www. livestrong. com/article/321769-why-does-caffeine-raise-the-heart-rate/#ixzz284jZnaO3

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Investigating the Vitamin C Content of Fruit Juices. (2017, Jan 06). Retrieved from

https://graduateway.com/investigating-the-vitamin-c-content-of-fruit-juices-2/

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