Carotenoid and vitamin content of Karat and other Micronesian banana cultivars
Authors:
Lois Englberger ab;
Joseph Schierle c;
William Aalbersberg d;
Peter Hofmann c;
Julia Humphries e;
Alvin Huang f;
Adelino Lorens g;
Amy Levendusky g;
Jeff Daniells h;
Geoffrey C. Marks a;
Maureen H. Fitzgerald i
| Affiliations: | a Division of International Health, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia |
| b Island Food Community of Pohnpei, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia | |
| c DSM Nutritional Products Ltd, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland | |
| d Institute of Applied Sciences/University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji | |
| e University of Adelaide, Faculty of Sciences, School of Agriculture and Wine, Glen Osmond, Australia | |
| f Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America | |
| g Pohnpei Agriculture, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia | |
| h Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, South Johnstone, Queensland, Australia | |
| i School of Occupation and Leisure Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia |
DOI:
10.1080/09637480600872010
Publication Frequency:
8 issues per year
Published in:
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition,
Volume
57,
Issue
5 &
6
August
2006
, pages 399
- 418
Subjects:
Food Chemistry: Nutrition;
Bioscience: Nutrition;
Formats available:
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Abstract
We previously found high carotenoid levels in Karat and other Micronesian bananas, indicating potential importance for alleviating vitamin A deficiency and other nutritionally related health problems in the Federated States of Micronesia. Past work focused on carotenoid and mineral analyses, whereas here we investigated 16 cultivars (most not previously analysed) for a broader micronutrient profile, including seven vitamins. Karat carotenoid levels were higher than in previous analyses, confirming Karat as exceptionally carotenoid-rich. We identified an additional 10 carotenoid-rich cultivars, expanding the range having potential for alleviating vitamin A deficiency. A striking finding is the high riboflavin level in Karat, including high levels of uncharacterized flavonoids. Niacin and
-tocopherol are at levels that may contribute importantly to dietary intake within normal patterns of consumption. These data present a more complete basis for promoting the nutritional benefits of these banana cultivars where they are consumed in the Pacific, and potential benefits for promoting elsewhere.
|
| Keywords: Karat; banana; vitamin A; carotenoid; riboflavin; Micronesia |
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-tocopherol are at levels that may contribute importantly to dietary intake within normal patterns of consumption. These data present a more complete basis for promoting the nutritional benefits of these banana cultivars where they are consumed in the Pacific, and potential benefits for promoting elsewhere.
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