<b>Carotenes and provitamin A contents of fruits commercialized in Viçosa, MG</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v26i4.1807

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the contents of carotene (α, β) and the value of vitamin A of fruits commercialized in local markets and fair of Viçosa (MG). Ten fruits were analyzed, originated of three local markets and three spot of the fair. The carotenoids extraction was accomplished with acetone, followed by transfer for petroleum ether. The contents of α and β-carotene were analyzed by high performance liquid cromatography (HPLC). The α-carotene was found only in starfruit and papaya (cv. Formosa). β-carotene was present in all the samples. Except for plum, there was no significant difference among the content of carotenoids of fruits from the local markets and fair. Thus, the fruits analyzed are good provitamin A sources and contribute with a percentage important in the adequacy of vitamin A for adult and children