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Further analysis on Micronesian banana, taro, breadfruit and other foods for provitamin A carotenoids and minerals

Englberger, L. and Aalbersberg, William G.L. and Ravi, Praveen and Bonnin, E. and Marks, G.C. and Fitzgerald, M.H. and Elymore, J. (2003) Further analysis on Micronesian banana, taro, breadfruit and other foods for provitamin A carotenoids and minerals. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 16 (2). pp. 219-236. ISSN 0889-1575

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Abstract

Few Micronesian foods have been analyzed for nutrient content. Information is needed on locally grown, culturally acceptable foods that could be promoted to alleviate, vitamin A deficiency in the Federated States of Micronesia. Using an ethnographic approach that included key informant interviews and observation, Micronesian cultivars with potential for high-carotenoid content according to their coloration were identified. These cultivars of banana, giant swamp taro, breadfruit and other foods were analyzed for alpha- and beta-carotene using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and for nine minerals using inductively coupled plasma (ICP). A wide range of provitamin A carotenoid levels was found in banana, taro, and breadfruit cultivars, some containing very high levels (beta-carotene content from 515 to 6360 mug/100 g in banana, 260 to 1651 mug/100 g in taro, and 295 to 868 mug/100 g in breadfruit, edible portion). Other cultivars contained moderate levels, but as they can be eaten in large quantities, they may contribute significantly to vitamin A status. The taro samples contained very high levels of zinc (mean 5.9 mg/100 g) and significant levels of other minerals (mean content of calcium was 120 mg/100 g). These staples with cultural acceptability and high availability potentially could play a role in vitamin A, micronutrient, and chronic disease programs in the Pacific.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: Q Science > QD Chemistry
T Technology > TX Home economics
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > Institute of Applied Science
Depositing User: Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited: 08 Aug 2003 00:39
Last Modified: 08 Aug 2012 00:39
URI: https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/5063

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