Consider the following statements: I. Caffenic, a constituent of tea and coffee is a diuretic II. Citric acid is used in soft drinks. III. Ascorbic acid is essential for the formation of bones and teeth. IV. Citric acid is a good substitution for ascorbic acid in our nutrition. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Statements I and II are correct. Caffeine (present in tea and coffee) has mild diuretic effects and can increase urine production. Citric acid is commonly used as an acidulant/pH adjuster and flavouring agent in soft and non‑alcoholic drinks and appears in beverage ingredient lists [1]. Statement III is also correct: ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is required for collagen synthesis and is therefore important for normal formation and maintenance of connective tissues, including bone matrix and the supportive tissues of teeth. Statement IV is false: citric acid is not a vitamin and cannot replace the biochemical and nutritional roles of ascorbic acid, so it is not an adequate nutritional substitute.

Sources

1. [1] https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000089763