Thin Layer Chromatographic Characterization of Carotenoid Isolates in Sugar Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris) Fruit Epicarp and Inflorescence Axis

Plant carotenoids are one of the most important classes of plant pigments and play a crucial role in defining the quality parameter of fruits and vegetables. They possess a large numbers of important biological activities such as antioxidant properties, anti – carcinogenic, precursor of vitamin A and preventive in a large number of chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to characterize the carotenoids present in Phoenix sylvestris fruits and their inflorescence axis which are orange red in colour. So, in this study we isolated carotenoids from both the epicarp and the extensively large inflorescence axis by preparative TLC and also characterized some of the major components like β- carotene and lutein using HPTLC analytical techniques. The present findings suggest that the consumption of β-carotene and lutein from this fruit crop can be helpful in providing potential targets for combating vitamin A deficiency in countries where vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem

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Nutritional Analysis of Vitamin A Enriched Bread from Orange Flesh Sweet Potato and Locally Available Wheat Flours at Samre Woreda, Northern Ethiopia

Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal ◽

10.12944/crnfsj.1.1.05 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 49-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Gebremedhin Kidane ◽

Kebede Abegaz ◽

Afework Mulugeta ◽

Pragya Singh

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Sweet Potato ◽

Low Income ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Northern Ethiopia ◽

Nutrition Research ◽

Nutritional Analysis ◽

Wheat Flours ◽

Β Carotene

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a public health problem in Ethiopia. Periodic supplementation of vitamin A (VA) capsules has developed as a short-term life saving intervention. However, it is important to shift from a subsidized periodic capsule distribution to a more sustainable food-based intervention, which could supply VA in the diet of low income rural communities. Orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP) was selected in this study as a potential raw material that used in food-based intervention, because of its high β-carotene content (naturally biofortified food). Therefore, this study aimed to analyze nutritional compostion of the VA enriched breads for pre-school children from OFSP and locally available Wheat flours of the study area. Blending of OFSP flour with whole Wheat flour (WWF) was conducted at laboratory by employing Complete Randomized Design (CRD). i.e. four bread blends of OFSP flour:WWF (0:100, 10:90, 20:80 and 30%:70%) were prepared and subjected to nutritional analysis at Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI). For proximate and β-carotene analysis AOAC (2000) standard method and manual column chromatography were used, respectively. The data were analyzed using SPSS, versions 16. Bread enriched with 30% OFSP flour can contribute 83.3 and 74.2% of VA to 3 and 4-6 years old children’s daily requirement, respectively. Therefore, WWF can be substituted by 30% OFSP flour for pre-school children’s bread making. A general trend of nutrient analysis showed that moisture, ash, fiber, β-carotene increased significantly (p < 0.05) as proportion of OFSP flour increased; while protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy content decreased. Therefore, OFSP flour enriched breads have added advantages nutritionally, especially in β-carotene. This will give responsible individuals, policymakers and donors more confidence to invest and work in OFSP for alleviation of VAD.

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Bioavailability of β-carotene (βC) from purple carrots is the same as typical orange carrots while high-βC carrots increase βC stores in Mongolian gerbils(Meriones unguiculatus)

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1079/bjn20061562 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 96 (2) ◽

pp. 258-267 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Mandy Porter Dosti ◽

Jordan P. Mills ◽

Philipp W. Simon ◽

Sherry A. Tanumihardjo

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Phenolic Acids ◽

Health Problem ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Meriones Unguiculatus ◽

Mongolian Gerbils ◽

Alternative Source ◽

Β Carotene

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency is a worldwide public health problem. Biofortifying existing sources of β-carotene (βC) and increasing dietary βC could help combat the issue. Two studies were performed to investigate the relative βC bioavailability of a βC supplement to purple, high-βC orange, and typical orange carrots using Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). In study 1, which used a traditional bioavailability design, gerbils (n32) received a diet containing orange, purple, or white carrot powder, or white carrot powder +a βC supplement. In study 2, which included βC-biofortified carrots, gerbils (n 39) received orange, high-βC orange, purple, or white carrot powder in their diet. Both studies lasted 21 d and the gerbils were killed to determine the effect of carrot type or supplement on serum and liver βC, α-carotene, and VA concentrations. Liver stores of βC or VA in the gerbils did not differ between orange and purple carrot diets when equal amounts of βC from each of the diets were consumed (P>0·05). Both the orange and purple carrot diet resulted in higher liver VA compared with the supplement (P<0·05). High-βC carrots resulted in more than 2-fold higher βC and 1·1 times greater VA liver stores compared with typical orange carrots (P<0·05). These results suggest that high-βC carrots may be an alternative source of VA to typical carrots in areas of VA deficiency. Second, phenolics including anthocyanins and phenolic acids in purple carrot do not interfere with the bioavailability of βC from purple carrots.

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SEANUTS: the nutritional status and dietary intakes of 0.5–12-year-old Thai children

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114513002110 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 110 (S3) ◽

pp. S36-S44 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Nipa Rojroongwasinkul ◽

Kallaya Kijboonchoo ◽

Wanphen Wimonpeerapattana ◽

Sasiumphai Purttiponthanee ◽

Uruwan Yamborisut ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Rural Children ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Serum Retinol

In the present study, we investigated nutritional status and health-related factors in a multistage cluster sample of 3119 Thai urban and rural children aged 0·5–12·9 years. In a subsample, blood samples were collected for the measurement of Hb, transferrin receptor, vitamin A and vitamin D concentrations. The prevalence of stunting and underweight was higher in rural children than in urban children, whereas the wasting rate was similar in both rural and urban areas. Among children aged 3·0–5·9 years, the prevalence of overweight was significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas and so was the obesity rate in children aged 6·0–12·9 years. Protein intakes of all age groups were relatively high in both the areas. Intakes of Ca, Fe, Zn and vitamin C were significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The prevalence of anaemia in rural areas was twice as high as that in urban areas, particularly in infants and young children. However, the prevalence of Fe-deficiency anaemia was similar in both urban and rural areas. While the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (by serum retinol cut-off < 0·7 μmol/l) seemed to be very low, vitamin A insufficiency (by serum retinol cut-off < 1·05 μmol/l) was more prevalent (29·4–31·7 %) in both the areas. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency ranged between 27·7 and 45·6 % among the children. The present study indicates that the double burden of malnutrition is still a major public health problem in Thailand. Further studies need to explore the associated risk factors for these nutrient deficiencies. Effective strategies and actions are needed to tackle the nutritional problems in Thai children.

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Nutritional enhancement of Ghanaian weaning foods using the orange flesh sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas)

African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development ◽

10.18697/ajfand.65.13190 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (65) ◽

pp. 9236-9256

Author(s):

EA Bonsi ◽

◽

WA Plahar ◽

R Zabawa ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Sweet Potato ◽

Nutritive Value ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Consumer Acceptability ◽

Weaning Food ◽

Nutrient Density ◽

Weaning Foods ◽

Maize Meal ◽

Β Carotene

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a public health problem in Ghana. Research on the orange flesh sweet potato root has been given prominence because of its high β - carotene content as a means to enhance the nutritive value and vitamin A content of the traditional diets of Ghanaian children as a long -term intervention towards combating VAD. Two Ghanaian cereal -legume weaning foods: roasted maize- soy blend and fermented maize -soy blend were added to Orange Flesh Sweet potato (O FS) flour from the variety, Beauregard, to develop four weaning food formulations . To each product formulation preparation, 25% and 50% OFS flour was added to the basic cereal - legume meals , and mixed thoroughly. The four weaning formulations were evaluated for chemical composition, sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability. All samples had a range of protein (12.1% - 15%), fat (4.8% - 6.4%), carbohydrate (71.1% – 75.1%), energy (380 - 390 kcal/100g) and minerals (calcium, iron and phosphorus) to ensure good nutrient density, while the moisture content was low (5.3% - 6.1%) for storage stability. The contribution of β -carotene ( 55.18 –115.55 ug/g) by the OFS in the formulations further enhanced the nutritive value of all the blends and is enough to meet the daily β -carotene needs of the children ( 1-6 yrs of 400 -450ug/100g). A higher level of β -carotene was seen in the roasted maize meal weaning foods which make s them a better potential blend for combating VAD. Also, sensory evaluation of the products indicated the highest consumer acceptability score (87%) for the roasted maize meal porridge formulation containing 25% OFS . It is, therefore , concluded that OFS flour has the potential to be used at 25% replacement level in the soy- fortified roasted maize meal formulation, and OFS is a useful ingredient with the potential to improve the β -carotene or vitamin A content of such formulations . This will help alleviate vitamin A deficiency of children in Ghana and other countries with similar problems . It is , therefore, recommended that the orange flesh sweet potato flour be used by mothers as an entry point for enhancing the traditional weaning food preparations .

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Cassava with enhanced β-carotene maintains adequate vitamin A status in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) despite substantial cis-isomer content

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114508184720 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 102 (3) ◽

pp. 342-349 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Julie A. Howe ◽

Bussie Maziya-Dixon ◽

Sherry A. Tanumihardjo

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Meriones Unguiculatus ◽

Provitamin A ◽

Carotenoid Content ◽

Mongolian Gerbils ◽

Serum Retinol ◽

Vitamin A Status ◽

Isomer Content ◽

Β Carotene

Efforts to increase β-carotene in cassava have been successful, but the ability of high-β-carotene cassava to prevent vitamin A deficiency has not been determined. Two studies investigated the bioefficacy of provitamin A in cassava and compared the effects of carotenoid content and variety on vitamin A status in vitamin A-depleted Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Gerbils were fed a vitamin A-free diet 4 weeks prior to treatment. In Expt 1, treatments (ten gerbils per group) included 45 % high-β-carotene cassava, β-carotene and vitamin A supplements (intake matched to high-β-carotene cassava group), and oil control. In Expt 2, gerbils were fed cassava feeds with 1·8 or 4·3 nmol provitamin A/g prepared with two varieties. Gerbils were killed after 4 weeks. For Expt 1, liver vitamin A was higher (P < 0·05) in the vitamin A (1·45 (sd 0·23) μmol/liver), lower in the control (0·43 (sd 0·10) μmol/liver), but did not differ from the β-carotene group (0·77 (sd 0·12) μmol/liver) when compared with the high-β-carotene cassava group (0·69 (sd 0·20) μmol/liver). The bioconversion factor was 3·7 μg β-carotene to 1 μg retinol (2 mol:1 mol), despite 48 % cis-β-carotene [(Z)-β-carotene] composition in cassava. In Expt 2, cassava feed with 4·3 nmol provitamin A/g maintained vitamin A status. No effect of cassava variety was observed. Serum retinol concentrations did not differ. β-Carotene was detected in livers of gerbils receiving cassava and supplements, but the cis-to-trans ratio in liver differed from intake. Biofortified cassava adequately maintained vitamin A status and was as efficacious as β-carotene supplementation in the gerbil model.

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Worldwide vitamin A deficiency targeted as a public health problem

Nutrition Today ◽

10.1097/00017285-199503000-00005 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 53 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

&NA;

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Health Problem ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Public Health Problem

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Effect of Drying on β-Carotene, α Carotene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin Content in Vegetables and Its Application for Vegetable Seasoning

E3S Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/e3sconf/202014102007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 141 ◽

pp. 02007

Author(s):

Kullamethee Piyarach ◽

Kamnerd Nipawan ◽

Chumphukhaw Chadapon ◽

Suwannasit Daluwan ◽

Rotjanapun Kunjana

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Food Preservation ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Overall Acceptability ◽

Chinese Kale ◽

Pepper Powder ◽

Air Dryer ◽

Β Carotene

In plant based food with dark-green, yellow and orange color, beta (β)-carotene, alpha (α)-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are predominating carotenoids contributing to an eyesight improvement. Among food preservation methods, drying using cabinet hot air dryer is one of the most cost-effective options and therefore, this investigation was aimed to study the carotenoids content in vegetables after drying and optimize the vegetable seasoning product. Based on customer survey, carrot, pumpkin, Chinese kale and long coriander were selected for the experiment, accessibility and have met the requirement of final moisture content, less than 10%. Our results demonstrated that drying period of sliced carrots and pumpkins was 360 min, while in Chinese kale and long coriander was 240 min. Amounts of carotenoids in carrot and long coriander were greatly remaining after drying. Drying of Chinese kale had little effect on carotenoids content. While, dried pumpkin may cause a major loss of β-,α-carotene and lutein content over 50%. Regarding to development of vegetable seasoning powder, Just about right and Hedonic 9 point tests were used for a sensory evaluation. The optimal seasoning formula consisted of 66. 8% mixed dried ground vegetables, 13.4% sugar, 8.8% salt, 6.7% garlic powder, and 4.3% white pepper powder. The overall acceptability of the product was rated as moderately liked, containing β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin content as 178.04±3.39, 58.81±1.83, 158.89±4.16, 0.98±0.01 μg/g, respectively (vitamin A approximately 29.67 μg RE/g). Fortification of vegetable seasoning powder for daily consumption may improve the eye vision and reduce the rate of vitamin A deficiency.

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CMO1 Deficiency Abolishes Vitamin A Production from β-Carotene and Alters Lipid Metabolism in Mice

Journal of Biological Chemistry ◽

10.1074/jbc.m706763200 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 282 (46) ◽

pp. 33553-33561 ◽

Cited By ~ 168

Author(s):

Susanne Hessel ◽

Anne Eichinger ◽

Andrea Isken ◽

Jaume Amengual ◽

Silke Hunzelmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipid Metabolism ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Elevated Serum ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Marker Genes ◽

Mouse Mutant ◽

Adipose Tissues ◽

Β Carotene

Carotenoids are currently investigated regarding their potential to lower the risk of chronic disease and to combat vitamin A deficiency in humans. These plant-derived compounds must be cleaved and metabolically converted by intrinsic carotenoid oxygenases to support the panoply of vitamin A-dependent physiological processes. Two different carotenoid-cleaving enzymes were identified in mammals, the classical carotenoid-15,15′-oxygenase (CMO1) and a putative carotenoid-9′,10′-oxygenase (CMO2). To analyze the role of CMO1 in mammalian physiology, here we disrupted the corresponding gene by targeted homologous recombination in mice. On a diet providing β-carotene as major vitamin A precursor, vitamin A levels fell dramatically in several tissues examined. Instead, this mouse mutant accumulated the provitamin in large quantities (e.g. as seen by an orange coloring of adipose tissues). Besides impairments in β-carotene metabolism, CMO1 deficiency more generally interfered with lipid homeostasis. Even on a vitamin A-sufficient chow, CMO1-/- mice developed a fatty liver and displayed altered serum lipid levels with elevated serum unesterified fatty acids. Additionally, this mouse mutant was more susceptible to high fat diet-induced impairments in fatty acid metabolism. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-regulated marker genes related to adipogenesis was elevated in visceral adipose tissues. Thus, our study identifies CMO1 as the key enzyme for vitamin A production and provides evidence for a role of carotenoids as more general regulators of lipid metabolism.

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A new approach to the assessment of marginal vitamin A deficiency in children in suburban Guwahati, India: hydrolysis of retinoyl glucuronide to retinoic acid

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114508047739 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 101 (6) ◽

pp. 794-797 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Pulin C. Sarma ◽

Bhabesh C. Goswami ◽

Krishna Gogoi ◽

Harsha Bhattacharjee ◽

Arun B. Barua

Keyword(s):

Retinoic Acid ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Vitamin A Deficiency ◽

Serum Retinol ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Group I ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Hydrolysis Of ◽

Β Carotene

The objective of the present study was to determine marginal vitamin A deficiency (VAD) by testing the hydrolysis of retinoyl glucuronide (RAG) to retinoic acid (RA) in children. Previous studies in rats showed that hydrolysis occurred when rats were vitamin A deficient. Children (n 61) aged 3–18 years, were divided into two groups, I and II. Blood was collected from the children in Group I (n 19) who were not dosed with RAG. Children in Group II (n 42) were administered all-trans retinoyl glucuronide (RAG) orally, and blood was collected 4 h after the dose. All serum samples were analysed for retinoids and carotenoids. RA was detected in serum only when serum retinol was < 0·85 μmol/l. Thus, hydrolysis of RAG to RA occurred in children with VAD or marginal VAD. Serum retinol was < 0·35 μmol/l in twenty-one children, 0·35–0·7 μmol/l in twenty-three children, 0·7–0·9 μmol/l in eleven children and >1 μmol/l in six children. Mean serum retinol in sixty-one children was 0·522 (sd 0·315) μmol/l. Mean β-carotene (0·016 (sd 0·015) μmol/l) was far below normal compared to the level of lutein (0·176 (sd 0·10) μmol/l) in sixty-one children. A low β-carotene level might be due to a low intake of carotene but high demand for vitamin A. The RAG hydrolysis test may prove to be a useful approach for the determination of marginal VAD with no clinical or subclinical signs of VAD. High prevalence of VAD amongst certain communities in Assam cannot be ruled out.

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