Identification and production of local carotene-rich foods to combat vitamin A malnutrition.
Solomons N. W., Bulux J.
Author Affiliation: Center for Studies of Sensory Impairment, Aging and Metabolism, Guatemala City, 01011, Guatemala.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 51 : S39-S45
Abstract : Theoretical considerations related to the use of carotene-rich plants as the basis for increasing provitamin A in the diets of low-income individuals in low-income nations are reviewed. The identification of plants in the Guatemalan diet is described, and reasons why carotene-rich foods are processed prior to consumption (e.g. to prolong availability, concentrate the carotene-containing matrix and improve the availability of carotenes) are discussed. Experiments into the ?-carotene contents of sweet potato buds, ?-carotene degradation over time and the acceptability and adaptability of the product as a food in the diet of low-income Guatemalans are then described. Similar investigations carried out in the Caribbean (using sun-dried mangoes and other carotene sources) and in Sri Lanka (using leaf concentrates) are also described. Finally, constraints and limitations in the processing, distribution and marketing of food and beverage products derived from carotene-rich foods are discussed.