An energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of elemental changes of a persimmon phytobezoar dissolved in Coca-Cola

Abstract

To investigate the mechanism of phytobezoar dissolution by Coca-Cola®, persimmon phytobezoar pieces removed from a 60-year-old Japanese woman were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The amount of calcium significantly decreased after dissolution treatment using Coca-Cola®, suggesting a potential contribution of calcium to dissolution mechanisms. Moreover, immersion in Coca-Cola® for 120 hours on the exterior surface revealed that Coca-Cola® did not permeate persimmon phytobezoars. This is the first study to investigate the mechanisms of persimmon phytobezoar permeability and dissolution induced by Coca-Cola®.