The Development and Application of A Carotenoid Database for Fruits, Vegetables and Selected Multi-Component Foods

ABSTRACT: 
    A carotenoid database for individual and multi-component foods has been compiled that contains values for the five most common Carotenoids (alpha-carotene, Beta-Carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, Lycopene, Lutein) in 2,458 fruits, vegetables, and multi-component foods containing fruits and vegetables.

    The database was used to estimate intakes of specific Carotenoids for 19- to 50-year-old women (n=1,102), using food consumption data obtained from dietary recalls in the US department of Agriculture Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals, 1986.

    The major contributors of alpha-carotene were carrots consumed as a single food or as an ingredient in multi-component foods.

    Carrots, cantaloupe, and broccoli were the main sources of beta-carotene.

    Orange juices and blends, oranges, and tangerines were important contributors of beta-cryptoxanthin.

    Tomatoes and tomato products consumed as single foods or as ingredients in multi-component foods provided most of the dietary Lycopene.

    Contributors of Lutein + Zeaxanthin included collard, mustard, or turnip greens; spinach; and broccoli.

    The per capita consumption of total Carotenoids (the sum of the five specific Carotenoids) among these women was approximately 6 mg/day.

REFERENCES
Chug-Ahuja JK; Holden JM; Forman MR; Mangels AR; Beecher GR; Lanza E, J Am Diet Assoc, 93:3, 1993 Mar, 318-23.