Brands Tested
Unit Price of 100 ml
The unit price gives a fair idea about the cheapest and costliest brands.
Marking
The following information shall be clearly and indelibly marked on the label of each container/packet as per Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations and Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules:
All the tested brands were packed in plastic bottles.
The importance of marking cannot be overemphasised as it gives information about the characteristics of the product and/or claims of the manufacturer, all of which influence consumers in making a choice.
Vitamins
Vitamins are of two types: fat-soluble – A, D, E, K; and water-soluble – B and C. Fortified water/drink contains mainly water-soluble vitamins.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Label Claim
The health benefits of vitamin B3 are as follows:
As per Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2011, by National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, the daily requirement of vitamin B3 is 18 mg for a man (moderate work) and 14 mg for a woman (moderate work). So, a higher amount of vitamin B3 is better for consumers.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Label Claim
Vitamin B6, along with the other B vitamins, helps the body turn food into energy. On its own, vitamin B6 has many other uses that are important to maintaining a healthy body and developing a healthy brain.
As per Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2011, by National Institute of Nutrition, the daily requirement of vitamin B6 for both man and woman is 2 mg. So, higher is better for consumers.
Vitamin B12 Claim
Vitamin B12 plays several important roles throughout our body but we require only a tiny amount of it each day. We need B12 to make red blood cells, to support normal brain function, and to make new DNA and RNA, the genetic coding material inside cells.
As per Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2011, by National Institute of Nutrition, the daily requirement of vitamin B12 for both man and woman is 1 mg. So, higher is better for consumers.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Claim
Vitamin C is widely considered to be an effective cure for the common cold. Other benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.
Vitamin C is sensitive to heat and light and, therefore, products containing vitamin C should be stored in a cool and dark place.
As per Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2011, by National Institute of Nutrition, the daily requirement of vitamin C for both man and woman is 40 mg. So, higher is better for consumers.
Parameters Tested
Sodium Lab Results
Sodium helps to control the amount of water in the body. World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation on sodium consumption for adults is two grams per day (equivalent to five grams of salt per day). Salt is a common source of sodium.
Sodium Label Claim
Sodium helps to control the amount of water in the body. World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation on sodium consumption for adults is two grams per day (equivalent to five grams of salt per day). Salt is a common source of sodium.
Potassium Lab Results
Potassium’s primary functions in the body include regulating fluid balance and controlling the electrical activity of the heart and other muscles. Potassium is an electrolyte that counteracts the effects of sodium, helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure. It is also needed to maintain acid-base balance.
Potassium Label Claim
Potassium’s primary functions in the body include regulating fluid balance and controlling the electrical activity of the heart and other muscles. Potassium is an electrolyte that counteracts the effects of sodium, helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure. It is also needed to maintain acid-base balance.
Magnesium Lab Results
Magnesium is an essential mineral for staying healthy and is required for many biochemical reactions in the body. Multiple health benefits of magnesium include transmission of nerve impulses, body-temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, and the formation of healthy bones and teeth.
As per Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2011, by National Institute of Nutrition, the daily requirement of magnesium is 340 mg for a man and 310 mg for a woman.
Magnesium Label Claim
Magnesium is an essential mineral for staying healthy and is required for many biochemical reactions in the body. Multiple health benefits of magnesium include transmission of nerve impulses, body-temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, and the formation of healthy bones and teeth.
As per Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2011, by National Institute of Nutrition, the daily requirement of magnesium is 340 mg for a man and 310 mg for a woman.
Calcium
Our body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Our heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly. As per Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2011, by National Institute of Nutrition, the daily requirement of calcium for both man and woman is 600 mg.
Customer-Care Details
As per Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, every package shall bear the name, address, telephone number, and email address, if available, of the person who can be – or the office that can be – contacted in case of consumer complaints.