High Risk

Pepsi-Cola North America Inc. — MOUNTAIN DEW, SODA

by Pepsi-Cola North America Inc.

MRT 176 Panel Triggers Identified

FructoseCornOrangeCitric AcidBenzoic AcidCaffeineFD&C Yellow #5
LEAP Phase Status: Phase 3 — Practitioner Guided

Clinical Product Assessment

MRT 176 Panel Safety Assessment

Clinical Narrative

This product contains 7 MRT-tested substances, including significant chemical triggers like FD&C Yellow #5, Caffeine, and Benzoic Acid, alongside primary food triggers such as Corn and Orange. The inclusion of ‘natural flavor’ also introduces unknown variables. Given the high concentration of both chemical and food-based triggers, this product is inappropriate for the early phases of the LEAP protocol.

Flagged Ingredient Mapping

Ingredient Maps To (MRT Panel) Match Type
high fructose corn syrup Fructose DIRECT_MATCH
high fructose corn syrup Corn DIRECT_MATCH
concentrated orange juice Orange DIRECT_MATCH
citric acid Citric Acid CHEMICAL_MATCH
sodium benzoate Benzoic Acid CHEMICAL_MATCH
caffeine Caffeine DIRECT_MATCH
sodium citrate Citric Acid CHEMICAL_MATCH
yellow 5 FD&C Yellow #5 CHEMICAL_MATCH

Unknown / Ambiguous Ingredients

The following ingredients could not be definitively mapped: natural flavor

This is procedural data interpretation, not medical guidance. Always consult your Certified LEAP Therapist.

Understanding These Triggers

🍬
Fructose

Fructose is tested independently from cane sugar on the MRT panel. Found as high-fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, and crystalline fructose. MRT tests inflammatory mediator response, not malabsorption.

🌽
Corn

Corn derivatives are among the hardest triggers to avoid. Found as corn syrup, cornstarch, modified food starch, dextrose, maltodextrin, and citric acid in thousands of processed products.

🍊
Orange

Orange is an MRT-tested citrus fruit. Found in juice, marmalade, candied peel, and as natural orange flavoring. Cross-reactivity with other citrus fruits is not assumed on the MRT panel.

⚗️
Citric Acid

A chemical additive tested on the MRT panel. Industrially produced from Aspergillus niger mold, not citrus fruit. Found in beverages, canned goods, candy, and as a preservative in thousands of products.

⚗️
Benzoic Acid

A preservative tested on the MRT chemical panel. Found as sodium benzoate in soft drinks, pickles, salad dressings, and condiments. Also occurs naturally in cranberries and cinnamon.

Caffeine

Caffeine is tested as a chemical substance on the MRT panel. Found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications. Sensitivity is to the compound itself, not the beverage.

🟡
FD&C Yellow #5

Tartrazine (Yellow #5) is an azo dye on the MRT chemical panel. Found in processed foods, beverages, and medications. Cross-reactivity with aspirin sensitivity has been documented in clinical literature.

What This Means For Your Diet

With 7 identified triggers, this product has a high concentration of MRT-tested substances. The probability that at least one of these triggers is reactive on your personal panel is statistically significant.

This product is not recommended during Phase 1 (Elimination) or Phase 2 (Reintroduction). It may only be considered during Phase 3 (Maintenance) after your Certified LEAP Therapist has confirmed that all 7 substances scored Green on your individual MRT results.

Products with 3 or more MRT panel triggers require individualized evaluation. Do not attempt to self-assess — your CLT has the clinical training to weigh multiple reactive substances and potential cross-reactivity.

Full Ingredient List

high fructose corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, sodium benzoate, caffeine, sodium citrate, yellow 5

More from Pepsi-Cola North America Inc.

UPC: 012000189265 Last Updated: April 26, 2026

🩸 Need Your MRT Blood Drawn?

Locate an approved phlebotomist for the 4.5mL Blue Top Kit near you.

Find Locations

Find a LEAP Therapist

Get personalized guidance from a Certified LEAP Therapist in your area.

Browse Practitioners
Medical Disclaimer: This data is algorithmically generated based on USDA databases and is not medical advice. Always consult your Certified LEAP Therapist.