How do calculation method and food data source affect estimates of vitamin A content in foods and dietary intake?

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the calculation method and food data source on estimates of vitamin A content in foods and in dietary intake. The Brazilian Vitamin A Database (BVAD) was elaborated using compiled data on retinol and carotenoids in Brazilian foods. Vitamin A was calculated with and/or without separating β-carotene isomers. Estimates of vitamin A intake and data on 16 plant foods were compared using data from BVAD, USDA National Nutrient Database and Brazilian Food Composition Table (TACO). Percentage difference (D%) was calculated to evaluate data variability. Calculated vitamin A values with and without separating β-carotene isomers (BVAD) were consistent in most of the evaluated foods and did not impact on vitamin A intake estimates. BVAD data were consistent with TACO analytical data in 81% of the selected foods and only in 37.5% with data from the USDA. Estimates of vitamin A intake calculated by Brazilian databases were similar, while by USDA the results were quite different. Therefore, the use of values for β-carotene without isomer separation in databases did not affect vitamin A data consistency, however, the use data from different countries to evaluate vitamin A intake may result in inaccurate values.     

Secondary metabolite diversity in taro,Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott,corms

Taro, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, is one of the oldest major staple food crops of tropical regions. This study represents one the first in-depth surveys of taro biodiversity based on corms flesh secondary metabolites fingerprints. Out of the 167 analyzed cultivars, 70 UV-absorbing substances were annotated according to their retention time, UV/vis absorption spectrum, high resolution mass (by HRMS) and fragmentation pattern (tandem MS-MS). They included 6 carotenoids, 35 flavones/flavonols, 6 flavanones, 2 flavanols and 1 indol. Twenty flavones that were glycosylated forms of apigenin, luteolin and chrysoeriol conferred to the corms a yellow color and defined a low abundance (ca. 10% of cultivars) chemotype. Their accumulation negatively correlated with flavanones which were annotated for the first time in taro. Orange flesh corms were characterized by high levels of β-carotene. Secondary metabolite-based chemotypes displayed no geographical distribution pattern.     

Quantification of zeaxanthin stereoisomers and lutein in trout flesh using chiral high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection

In our previous work we identified the presence of meso-zeaxanthin [(3R,3′S)-zeaxanthin] in trout flesh and skin (Nolan et al., 2014), but were not able to quantify this carotenoid with the method used at that time. In the present study, we developed a protocol that allows for the quantification of lutein and the three stereoisomers of zeaxanthin [(3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin and (3S,3′S)-zeaxanthin] in fish flesh. We tested this protocol in two species of farmed trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo Trutta), and we detected and quantified these carotenoids. The concentrations of each carotenoid detected (ranging from 1.18 ± 0.68 ng g⁻¹ flesh for meso-zeaxanthin to 38.72 ± 15.87 ng g⁻¹ flesh for lutein) were highly comparable for the two fish species tested. In conclusion, we report, for the first time, the concentrations of zeaxanthin stereoisomers (including meso-zeaxanthin) and lutein in trout flesh. This work adds further to the knowledge on the presence of these carotenoids in the human food chain.     

中国六地区母血和脐带血中类胡萝卜素含量研究

目的 调查中国六个地区的产妇静脉血浆和脐带血浆中包括叶黄素、玉米黄质、β-隐黄质、β-胡萝卜素及番茄红素五种类胡萝卜素含量,分析母血和脐血中类胡萝卜素含量及构成比差异。方法 在成都、上海、天津、广州、长春、兰州六个地区招募单胎足月分娩的健康产妇共180例,收集产妇分娩时的静脉血及其初生儿的脐带静脉血,高速离心取上层血浆,采用HPLC法测定血浆中的类胡萝卜素含量。结果 母血中五种类胡萝卜素的含量均远高于脐血（Z1=-11.635,Z2=-11.635,Z3=-11.635,Z4=-11.634,Z5=-11.632,P<0.001）,其中,母血中的叶黄素、玉米黄质和β-隐黄质浓度约为脐血中的5~7倍,而β-胡萝卜素和番茄红素浓度约为脐血中的15~17倍。脐血与母血中的五种类胡萝卜素浓度呈正相关（r1=0.670,r2=0.553,r3=0.767,r4=0.727,r5=0.563,P<0.001）。叶黄素是脐血中最主要的类胡萝卜素,占比约50%。母血和脐血中类胡萝卜素含量与母体因素如年龄、孕期增重、孕前BMI和产前BMI存在弱相关。结论 脐血中类胡萝卜素含量主要受母血中类胡萝卜素含量的影响。叶黄素是母血和脐血中最主要的类胡萝卜素,提示了其在生命早期对胎儿的生长发育的重要性。     

Genetic diversity of folate profiles in seeds of common bean,lentil, chickpea and pea

Folates are water-soluble B vitamins and act as cofactors in many metabolic functions in the human body. Pulses have traditionally been considered as a good dietary source of folates. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the concentration of folates in four cultivars each of common bean, lentil, chickpea and pea, and (2) to determine the effect of growing location on folate concentration. Six folate monoglutamates were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Total folate concentration ranged from 351 to 589 μg/100 g in chickpea, 165 to 232 μg/100 g in common bean, 136 to 182 μg/100 g in lentil, and 23 to 30 μg/100 g in pea. The 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-FTHF) folates were most abundant in common bean, lentil and chickpea, whereas 5-MTHF and tetrahydrofolate (THF) were the predominant forms in pea. Significant differences were detected among cultivars for all folates across the pulses, except for 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (5,10-MTHF) in lentil, 5-MTHF in chickpea, and 5,10-MTHF and folic acid (FA) in pea. Significant effects for location and cultivar by location were also observed for the majority of the folates.     

Effect of ascorbic acid on deterioration of carotenoids and colour in ultrafrozen orange juice

The influence of externally added ascorbic acid (AA) on the deterioration of carotenoid pattern and colour of orange juices has been assessed. Regardless of the enrichment of the samples with ascorbic acid, the changes in their carotenoid profile were analogous and involved mainly the epoxycarotenoids. The decreases in the levels of the two major carotenoids, namely (9Z)-violaxanthin and (9Z)- or (9′Z)-antheraxanthin, due to acid-elicited 5,6-epoxide to 5,8-furanoxide isomerizations, were markedly distinct, with the levels of the former dropping more markedly. It was observed, in any event, that the decreases were higher in the sample spiked with the higher amount of ascorbic. In view of these results it has been hypothesized that the location of (9Z)-violaxanthin in orange cloud particles could be more accessible to the juice acids to that of (9Z)- or (9′Z)-antheraxanthin. In addition, the enrichment of the juices seems to promote the contact of the carotenoids and the acids during their deterioration. In terms of colour, it has been concluded that these changes in the carotenoids led to colour differences that can be discerned visually and that the use of a black background for the measurements yielded a better differentiation among the samples.     

Minerals,vitamin C,and effect of thermal processing on carotenoids composition in nine varieties orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

Micronutrient malnutrition is a major global health problem, which affects in excess of 2 billion people in developing countries. This study, aimed at promoting plant-food-based approaches to tackle micronutrient deficiency, reports the mineral and vitamin C contents, and carotenoid composition (β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, lycopene and β-cryptoxanthin) of nine varieties of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP). The studied OFSP varieties exhibited significant variation in analyzed nutrient content. Among the selected varieties, BARI SP8 (6710.50 ± 43.79 μg/100 g) contained the highest concentration of β-carotene, while BARI SP6 (230.40 ± 11.94 μg/100 g) contained the lowest concentration of this substituent. Besides β-carotene, significant amounts of vitamin C, minerals, and lycopene were found in the selected OFSP varieties. Boiling of the OFSP samples resulted in significant reduction of carotenoids, ranging from 22 % to 78 % for β-carotene, 38 %–96 % for lycopene and 79 %–100 % for β-cryptoxanthin. None of the studied OFSP varieties were found to contain α-carotene and lutein. The principal component analysis (PCA) of analyzed variables divided the OFSP varieties into four clusters, and the first two principal components explained about 72.57 % of the total data set variance. Thus, being rich in minerals, vitamin C and β-carotene, the studied OFSP varieties could be utilized as a promising source of dietary micronutrients to reduce or prevent the vitamin A malnutrition and other micronutrient deficiency-related diseases observed in affected populations.     

Canola (Brassica napus) oil from Australian cultivars shows promising levels of tocopherols and carotenoids,along with good oxidative stability

A total of 156 commercial canola seed samples were collected from two growing seasons and tested for oil and protein content, glucosinolate concentration and kernel weight. Extracted oil samples were tested for the bioactive compounds: β-carotene (mean = 2.03 mg/kg), lutein (64.7), α-tocopherol (263), γ-tocopherol (378) and δ-tocopherol (8.94). A subset of 52 oil samples were analyzed for fatty acid profile (FAP) and oxidative stability. Canola cultivar was found to be the dominant influence on many traits, particularly carotenoids and tocopherols, indicating potential breeding opportunities. Previously unreported significant correlations were discovered between the two major carotenoids, lutein and β-carotene. Additionally, significant (p < 0.01) negative correlations existed between oil content and: β-carotene (r = −0.33), lutein (r = −0.23), α-tocopherol (r = −0.49), γ-tocopherol (r = −0.22), and δ-tocopherol (r = −0.30). Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was significantly (p < 0.01) positively correlated with carotenoid (r = 0.48) and tocopherol (r = 0.60) concentrations. Oxidative stability showed a weak negative correlation with total tocopherols (r = −0.38, p = 0.01) likely due to the over-riding influence of fatty acid profile on oxidative stability, indicating tocopherols may be more influential from a nutritional perspective rather than oil functionality.     

Influence of process variables on colour changes, carotenoids retention and cellular tissue alteration of cherry tomato during osmotic dehydration

Osmotic dehydration is an appropriate technique for preserving nutritional components that are naturally present in different vegetables. In order to quantitatively evaluate changes induced by osmotic treatment in CIEL*a*b* colorimetric parameters and lycopene and β-carotene content, cherry tomato in halves (L. esculentum var. cerasiforme cv. Cocktail) were osmotically treated by immersion in different solutions (a 20% w/w, NaCl solution, a 55 Brix sucrose solution and a ternary solution (10% NaCl and 27.5% sucrose)) at 30, 40 and 50 °C for 24 h. The alteration suffered by the cellular tissue was also analysed by means of microscopic observations. The obtained results showed a general increase in a* and b* coordinates resulting from the concentration of the liquid phase and a decrease in lightness as a consequence of the enhancement in sample opacity. Regarding carotenoids content, an increase in lycopene and β-carotene was observed in samples osmotically dehydrated at moderate temperatures (30 °C and 40 °C) with the solutions that include sucrose on its composition. In addition, microscopic observations revealed a direct relationship between the integrity of the cellular matrix and the preservation or even synthesis of lycopene and β-carotene.     

Non-destructive determination of β-carotene content in mango by near-infrared spectroscopy compared with colorimetric measurements

Non-destructive applications for the detection of food quality, especially internal properties, are highly relevant for process control in the food industry. In this respect, colour measurement and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were evaluated and compared for their ability to predict β-carotene content in mango cv. ‘Nam Dokmai’. Colorimetric analysis of peel and flesh colour as well as NIR measurements in the short- (700–1100 nm) and long-wave regions (1000–2500 nm) were analysed for prediction ability. It was found that β-carotene content could be estimated by multiple linear regression (MLR) models developed from b* and hue angle (h°) values of the flesh with good results for coefficient of determination (R²) and standard errors of cross validation (SECV) of 0.941 and 10.2 retinol equivalents (RE) 100 g⁻¹ edible part (EP), respectively, while peel colour showed poor results. However, flesh colour measurement is a destructive method. NIRS calibration showed good results with R² > 0.800 and standard error of prediction (SEP) 11.642–20.2 RE 100 g⁻¹ EP. Long-wave NIR provided better prediction ability than short-wave. From these results, NIRS can be recommended for non-destructive and reliable determination of β-carotene content in mango. The results have implications for quality control in the industrial handling and processing of fruits.     

Supplementation with macular carotenoids reduces psychological stress,serum cortisol,and sub-optimal symptoms of physical and emotional health in young adults

Purpose: Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation are the root cause of several deleterious effects of chronic psychological stress. We hypothesize that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities of the macular carotenoids (MCs) lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin could, via daily supplementation, provide a dietary means of benefit.

Methods: A total of 59 young healthy subjects participated in a 12-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effects of MC supplementation on blood cortisol, psychological stress ratings, behavioural measures of mood, and symptoms of sub-optimal health. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, 13?mg, or 27?mg / day total MCs. All parameters were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Serum MCs were determined via HPLC, serum cortisol via ELISA, and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) via customized heterochromatic flicker photometry. Behavioural data were obtained via questionnaire.

Results: Significant baseline correlations were found between MPOD and Beck anxiety scores (r?=??0.28; P?=?0.032), MPOD and Brief Symptom Inventory scores (r?=?0.27; P?=?0.037), and serum cortisol and psychological stress scores (r?=?0.46; P?P?Conclusions: Supplementation with the MCs significantly reduces stress, cortisol, and symptoms of sub-optimal emotional and physical health. Determining the basis for these effects, whether systemic or a more central (i.e. brain) is a question that warrants further study.     

Variations in the carotenoid and anthocyanin contents of Korean cultural varieties and home-processed sweet potatoes

The sweet potato is an important industrial crop and a source of food that contains useful dietary fiber and vitamins. Recently, orange- and purple-fleshed varieties have come under the spotlight due to their healthful components, carotenoids and anthocyanins, respectively. In this study, an HPLC-DAD method was applied to determine the carotenoid composition and content in nine Korean cultural varieties of sweet potato. Changes in carotenoid contents and composition were also observed during home-processing of an orange-fleshed cultivar with high carotenoid content (530 ± 60 μg/g of dry weight, DW as all-trans-β-carotene). A loss of the carotenoids was observed for all of the home-processing methods examined; the baked or boiled or steamed sweet potatoes had higher amounts of all-trans-β-carotene (246 ± 34, 253 ± 29 and 240 ± 21 μg/g DW, respectively) than pressure-cooked, sautéed and fried ones (194 ± 21, 201 ± 28 and 111 ± 19 μg/g DW, respectively). Interestingly, cis-isomer of the all-trans-β-carotene, 13Z-β-carotene was found in elevated amounts in all of the processed samples, particularly in baked, pressure-cooked and steamed sweet potatoes compared to control. Variations in anthocyanin content in the nine cultural varieties and home-processed sweet potatoes were also determined by an HPLC-DAD method.     

Tocopherol and carotenoid content of foods commonly consumed in Costa Rica

This article presents the first Costa Rican database on food carotenoids and tocopherols. The report concerning the content of these nutrients in foods that are common to the Latin American diet and to native Costa Rican varieties and cultivars is particularly important. Celery, which includes the leaves in Costa Rica, shows the highest content of lutein + zeaxanthin (26,400 μg/100 g) and β-carotene (16,200 μg/100 g), and is ranked fourth as a source of α-carotene (168 μg/100 g). The amount of lutein + zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin present in Costa Rican red peppers is significantly high (2600 and 730 μg/100 g, respectively) and the amount of lycopene provided by 100 g of sardines canned in tomato sauce is higher (3300 μg/100 g) than the same amount of home-style tomato sauce (1420 μg/100 g) or raw tomato (1260 μg/100 g). Soybean oil has the highest δ-tocopherol content of all oils and is second to corn oil in γ-tocopherol content. Olive and sunflower oil have the highest α-tocopherol content. However, the content of α-tocopherol in celery and broccoli stands out. On average, these vegetables provide only 3 mg/100 g less of α-tocopherol than sunflower oil (12 mg/100 g and 15 mg/100 g, respectively). The reported data, together with the recently published Brazilian database on food carotenoids, could be the first step towards the systematic development of a Latin America carotenoid and tocopherol food composition database.     

Study on the elution order of carotenoids on endcapped C18 and C30 reverse silica stationary phases. A review of the database

We provide a database which presents the separation characteristics of C₁₈ and C₃₀ stationary phases using carotenoids with diverse structures, including isomers, from the apolar carotenes to the very polar tetrahydroxy xantophylls. The retention behavior of more than 90 carotenoids on a C₁₈ and C₃₀ stationary phase were studied. The influence of structural differences of the carotenoids on the elution order for the two columns is discussed. Octadecyl bonded silica phase produces good separation for the whole polarity range of carotenoids. On this phase carotenoids are eluted in the order of their polarity. The examined polar compounds, including optical isomers, could be well separated on a C₁₈ phase. However, the separation of regio- and geometrical isomers of carotenoids, as well as non-polar carotenes, is better achieved using a C₃₀ phase.     

Provitamin A and vitamin C contents in selected California-grown cantaloupe and honeydew melons and imported melons

Vitamins are essential for human health and are mainly obtained from dietary sources. Cantaloupe and honeydew melons are abundant in provitamin A and vitamin C. California is one of the leading producers of cantaloupe and honeydew melons in the United States. Because melon is a warm-season crop, cantaloupe and honeydew melons are also imported to the United States from other countries to ensure year-around consumption. Nutrient content often varies among different melon varieties as well as among melons grown and harvested from different locations. To provide detailed nutrient information on domestic and imported melons, provitamin A and vitamin C contents of six California-grown and four imported melon varieties were determined by HPLC analysis and compared to the nutrient data published in the USDA nutrient database. Overall, California-grown and imported melons analyzed in the current work have higher vitamin A activity than values reported in the USDA database. Differential accumulation of provitamin A and vitamin C was observed among California-grown and imported melons. In addition, cantaloupe melons accumulate up to 60-fold more β-carotene than honeydew melons.     

Understanding genotypic variation and identification of promising genotypes for iron and zinc content in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea known as poor man’s meat has the potential to ameliorate micronutrient deficiencies. The objective was to understand heritable variation for zinc and iron in a diverse panel of 402 germplasm at two locations. Zinc and iron contents ranged from 1.10 to 5.91 mg/100 g to 0.50–8.54 mg/100 g, respectively and are comparable to some of the best biofortified crops of Harvest Plus target levels. Chickpea cultivars released for commercial cultivation were found to contain higher amounts of grain zinc and iron at both the locations. Analysis of phytic acid in cultivars with higher mineral contents showed negative correlation with zinc and iron. Heera, H82-2 and H214 for Zn; and L550, KGD1168, PG114, JG74 and ICCV6 for Fe are the cultivars identified with higher contents of Zinc (>4 mg/100 g) and iron (>6 mg/100 g). Promoting production of such iron and zinc rich cultivars will help in increasing availability and consumption of high quality chickpea necessary to alleviate hidden hunger.     

Soil and foliar application of selenium in rice biofortification

Selenium (Se) is essential for humans and animals because of its antioxidant properties, which form part of a series of chemical reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different Se application forms and sources on rice growth, grain yield, and rice Se concentration and accumulation, as well the content of N, P, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in rice grains. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with 4-dm³ pots containing a sandy clay loam Red-Yellow Latosol. The experimental design was a completely randomized 2 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two Se doses × two forms of Se application, soil or foliar × two Se sources, selenate or selenite), with five replicates. Selenium in rice plants was analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF). The results shows that soil selenate application was more effective for shoot dry matter production and grain Se accumulation than selenite. Foliar application of both selenate and selenite increased grain yield. This study provides useful information concerning agronomic biofortification of rice, showing that both soil and foliar Se application could be used for increasing Se content in edible parts, which could result in health benefits.     

Stability of carotenoids and tocopherols in ready-to-eat baby-leaf lettuce and salad rocket during low-temperature storage

Minimally processed ready-to-eat baby-leaf vegetables (BLVs) are the most convenient source to include the health beneficial bioactive in the daily diet. In the present study, the visual quality and storage stability of carotenoids, tocopherols were investigated in lettuce (green and red romaine) and salad rocket BLVs. The commercially packed samples of BLVs were stored at 0?°C and 4?°C in dark conditions and analyzed after 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 days of storage. All the studied samples were found in better visual quality up to eight days of storage at both the temperatures. In most cases, the quality was correlated with the chlorophyll contents. The highest significant (p?相似文献   

Amino acids,major carotenoids and vitamin A activity of some traditional sauces consumed in the Far North Region of Cameroon

The aim of this study was to determine the amino acids major carotenoids and vitamin A activity in the 22 most frequently consumed traditional sauces in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Results showed that the most abundant amino acids in all sauces were glumatic acid (119–192 mg/g protein), aspartic acid (61.3–132 mg/g protein), leucine (34.5–99.2 mg/g protein) and phenylalanine (22.1–64.3 mg/g protein). High levels of amino acids were found in Gouboudou. Essential amino acids in most of the sauces represented up to 33% of total amino acids, indicating a good equilibrium between amino acids. Essential amino acids in most of these sauces met the recommended children requirement of the FAO/WHO/UNU for children 1–2 years old, except methionine and cysteine. Methionine + cysteine and lysine were the limiting amino acids in these sauces. Carotenoids and vitamin A activity (0.02–0.15 mg retinol activity equivalents/100 g dry weight) were present only in small quantities in all sauces when compared with other African sauces.     

Phenolic composition of fruits from different cultivars of red and black raspberries grown in Poland

Fruits of 11 varieties of Rubus idaeus and 1 variety of Rubus occidentalis cultivated in Poland, were analyzed in terms of phenolic composition. The qualitative and quantitative determination of phenolics was performed by means of HPLC-DAD coupled with ESI–MS detector. Quantitative determination of anthocyanins, revealed significant differences in the levels of major anthocyanins in most red raspberry varieties, of which cyanidin 3-O-sophoroside was the most prevalent one. Black raspberries displayed 4–11 times more anthocyanin content compared to red raspberries, with the dominating anthocyanins being cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-O-xylosyl-rutinoside.Sanguiin H-6 was the main ellagitannin identified in all varieties, with ‘Beskid’, ‘Laszka’, ‘Polana’ and ‘Litacz’ standing out as the richest sources of sanguiin H-6. Ellagic acid was at similar, low concentrations, with the highest levels observed in ‘Willamette’. A number of other compounds belonging to flavonols, flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids, were found at much lower levels than anthocyanins and ellagitannins, with the presence of procyanidins B₁ and B₂ being reported for the first time in the fruits of black raspberries. Data obtained on the variation in content of major and minor phenolic compounds between raspberry varieties highlights the most valuable cultivars to be used as a dietary source of phenolic compounds.