NEW YORK, March 7 Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are adding vitamins to carbonated beverages in an effort to appeal to health-conscious consumers.The New York Times said Diet Coke Plus and PepsiCo's Tava will be promoted as sparkling beverages instead of soft drinks.The newspaper said the $68 billion U.S. soda industry has been hurt by reports linking the product to a rise in obesity.Tava will contain vitamins B3, B6 and E, and chromium, while Diet Coke Plus will contain niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, magnesium and zinc.Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, says the new beverages are certainly a lot better than a regular soft drink but said consumers are better off getting their nutrients from natural foods, rather than fortified soft drinks, the Times reported. Copyright 2007 by UPI
