title: Carotenoid and vitamin content of Karat and other Micronesian banana cultivars.
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 alpha-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.
authors.affiliation: Division of International Health, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. nutrition@mail.fm
authors.forename: Lois
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Englberger
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schierle
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Aalbersberg
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hofmann
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Humphries
authors.forename: Alvin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Adelino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lorens
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Levendusky
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Daniells
authors.forename: Geoffrey C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Marks
authors.forename: Maureen H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D003116:Color; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008849:Micronesia; D028521:Musa / Q000737:chemistry*; D009525:Niacin / Q000032:analysis; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D012256:Riboflavin / Q000032:analysis; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000032:analysis; D014815:Vitamins / Q000032:analysis*; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000032:analysis; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D005419:Flavonoids; D014815:Vitamins; D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; D009525:Niacin; D002338:Carotenoids; C041635:alpha-carotene; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol; D012256:Riboflavin