Ascorbic acid concentration in selected fruits sold in local markets in Uganda (a review).

Abstract

The review deals with analysis of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content of some fruits i.e. mangoes, oranges, lemons, apples and water melons sold in local markets in Uganda. Vitamin C content is analyzed from various research works and compared. The methods for comparison were spectrophotometric and titrimetric methods, the absorbance was measured spectrophotometricaly at 521 nm. The titrimetric method is carried out by an iodometric back titration. The results from this study showed that there is no much difference between the two methods but spectrophotometric method is more preferred to determine the amount of vitamin C than titrimetric method because it is easier to use and fast to produce results. Vitamin C concentrations should be established such that people are informed about the type of fruit with less health effects.