The Coca-Cola Company is being sued for making "deceptive and
unsubstantiated claims" about its VitaminWater line of beverages, which
it touts as healthy alternatives to sodas, lawyers for the plaintiff
said on Thursday.
Coca-Cola is misleading consumers by using words such as "energy" and "endurance" on VitaminWater bottles and claiming that the drinks reduce the risk of illness and boost health, said the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), which is co-counsel to the San Francisco man who filed the suit in a California court.
"In fact, according to CSPI nutritionists, the 33 grams of sugar in each bottle of VitaminWater do more to promote obesity, diabetes and other health problems than the vitamins in the drinks do to perform the advertised benefits listed on the bottles," the health advocacy group said in a statement.
"VitaminWater is Coke's attempt to dress up soda in a physician's white coat. Underneath, it's still sugar water, although sugar water that costs about 10 bucks a gallon," said CSPI litigation director Steve Gardner.
Plaintiff James Koh said he used to drink VitaminWater after a workout, thinking he was doing himself good.
"I was attracted by the prospect of getting extra vitamins, but I had no idea that I was actually getting almost a Coke's worth of sugar and calories," Koh said in a statement.
"There's no way I would have spent money on that, had I known," he said.
VitaminWater sells in the United States for about $US1.50 ($2.27) for a 590ml bottle.
Twenty-ounce bottles of Coca-Cola, which are sold in vending machines and convenience stores, cost about $US1.40.
Full Story in Sydney Morning Herald
Dr. Hoopers' Comment:
How Coke got away with touting VitaminWater as a nutrient-packed "wonder drink" is completely beyond me.
One look at the ingredient list shows you that VitaminWater is just as bad for you as Coke or other soft drinks. Per bottle, VitaminWater contains 125 calories, around 30 grams of carbohydrates and a massive 33 grams of sugar. This is equivalent to almost 10 teaspoons of sugar a bottle.
Coke contains high fructose corn syrup, which is extremely detrimental to your health. VitaminWater's second highest ingredient "crystalline fructose" may sound exotic, but its the Coca-Cola company's own fancy name for their form of sugar - and its the most prominent ingredient after water!
Sneakily though, the ingredient and nutritional information
lists values per 240 ml serve. Like you will only drink less than half
a bottle at a time.
It must be pointed out that this fruit-flavoured water substitute contains NO fruit juice. None at all. The so-called ‘fruit-flavouring' is just artificial additives, which can do all sorts of nasty things to your body.
The whole ‘vitamin' aspect of VitaminWater is completely irrelevant. It is true, there is vitamins in this beverage, however they are chemically synthesized, and on top of that, they have been added to a sugar water base. Vitamins can't undo the sugars and additives in the drink, and you are much better off gaining these nutrients from your diet and a good quality multivitamin.
In today's health-obsessed culture, smart companies like Coca-Cola are merely cashing in on what has proven to be a very lucrative concept. They are appealing to our better side by boasting their drink is full of essential vitamins and will somehow make you perform your daily tasks more efficiently.
Take my advice on this: downing a bottle of sugar water is going to do nothing more than give you a sugar crash and maybe a few extra kilo's. If you are thirsty - try a glass of water.
Now if you want to get added vitamins and minerals in your diet, invest in a bottle of Tresos-B or Multi Essentials. These potent multi's will fill in the gaps in your diet, and negate the need for any artificially fortified lolly water.
We suggest the use of a quality protein/vitamin shake such as Metagenics Endura Opti or even Musashi WPI before and after exercise. These high quality whey protein powders will replace all the nutrients lost through exercise, while supplying your body with a good dose of protein and energy.
Thirsty during the day? There's a new wonder liquid. It's called water. Aim for at least two litres everyday, and more if you're active. Water will give you all you need for proper hydration. Click here to find out exactly how much water you need to drink everyday.
Read our article on the "Five of the Worst Foods You Can Eat" to see what effects soft drinks can have on your health.
