Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Caffeine, a constituent of tea and coffee, is a diuretic.
2. Citric acid is used in soft drinks.
3. Ascorbic acid is essential for the formation of bones and teeth.
4. Citric acid is a good substitution for ascorbic acid in our nutrition.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Notes: Caffeine can increase blood pressure and cause vasoconstriction. Doses of caffeine equivalent to the amount normally found in standard servings of tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks appear to have no diuretic action. Citric acid is a natural preservative and is also used to add an acidic (sour) taste to foods and soft drinks. It is vital in biochemistry as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle. All vitamins are essential for strong bones and teeth, but vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is particularly important for their formation. Ascorbic acid acts as a preservative and prevents the browning of fruits, whereas citric acid is its best substitute. Although the flavors differ, with ascorbic acid being bitter and citric acid tart, they are often substituted in nutrition.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.