An evaluation of germinating beans as a source of vitamin C in refugee foods.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether germinating pulses and beans are a potential source of vitamin C in rations for refugee communities with poor vitamin C status.


METHODS
High pressure liquid chromatographic assessment of vitamin C content of a range of legumes following germination in light and dark and after cooking.


RESULTS
Many species of pulses produced significant quantities of vitamin C up to five days following germination in both light and dark although cooking caused a marked loss of ascorbate.


CONCLUSIONS
Germination of approximately half of the seeds of the pulse constituents of many basic rations would be likely to generate, within a 3-5 d germination period, sufficient ascorbate to provide the 10 mg needed to protect adults against the development of scurvy.
Riddoch
C H
CH
Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
Mills
C F
CF
Duthie
G G
GG
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D007887:Fabaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D018525:Germination; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012036:Refugees
D001205:Ascorbic Acid