Product Review: Diet Coke Plus

When I heard that Coca-Cola had created a version of my beloved Diet Coke with vitamins and minerals added, I knew that my day had come. In teaching my family about nutrition, I had been forced to abandon soda. Now, I can indulge without having to eat my words.

What did Coke do? They added three B vitamins-B3 (niacin), B6, and B12-and the minerals magnesium and zinc to create Diet Coke Plus. A 12-ounce serving, the amount in one can, will net you 25% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of the vitamins and 15% of your daily requirement of the minerals.

Why These Supplements?

While the cola will not replace a full-spectrum supplement, Diet Coke Plus does address common shortfalls in our diets. Stress, processed foods, and refined sugar all deplete your store of B vitamins. Since vitamins B6 and B12 have been proven to fight heart disease, your body takes a double hit when your level of stress and your junk food intake increase.

Vitamin B3 plays a role in the energy production within your cells, as well as in maintaining healthy skin. All three of the B vitamins play a role in keeping your nervous system healthy and functioning properly.

Your body requires magnesium and zinc specifically to make enzymes and hormones that run your body's various systems. They work with calcium to maintain your bone mass.

Zinc helps keep your immune system healthy. It plays a role in regulating blood sugar and proper levels help wounds heal faster. You also need zinc to keep your senses of taste and smell working properly.

Magnesium converts food into energy in your cells. It helps your kidneys filter out toxins, particularly ammonia. It's an important component in muscle contraction and decreased levels can lead to painful muscle cramps. It can stop a migraine if taken at the headache's earliest stages, and may reduce their frequency.

The most important factor, however, is how Diet Coke Plus tastes. It doesn't matter how good it is for you if you won't drink it because it leaves your mouth tasting metallic and grainy. You lovers of the original flavor will be pleased to know that Coca-Cola has not messed with their sweetening formula. The supplements add only the faintest trace of aftertaste. The rest is all classic Diet Coke.

Finally, someone has created a reason to drink more soda instead of less. Well done, Coke!