<b>Carotenes and provitamin A in basella and aromatic herbs marketed in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, during the four seasons of the year</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascihealthsci.v28i1.1122

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the level of α-carotene, β-carotene and to calculate the value of vitamin A in vegetables sold at local markets and informal markets of Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, as well as to evaluate the seasonal and commercial effects on the content of these pigments. The vegetables (basella, green onion, cilantro, sweet basil and parsley) were analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), being β-carotene the only pigment present in all the analyzed samples. No significant statistical differences (α = 0.05) were found in the contents of β-carotene of the vegetables either among the different stores, or among the different seasons. The vegetables analyzed are great provitamin A sources and, if eaten on a regular basis, they can fit the daily requirements of vitamin A for adults and children. Besides, these foods are very accessible due to their low cost and availability in the market