HPLC Determination of Carotenoids in Fruits and Vegetables in the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to determine alpha‐ and beta‐carotene and beta‐cryptoxanthin in twenty‐two fruits and vegetables. Foods were obtained from wholesale distributors from five locations throughout the United States (Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, and Boston) three times during a year (November, March, and July). Mean vitamin A activity in retinol equivalents (RE) of each food along with average values for the individual carotenoids (μg/100g) are given. beta‐Carotene was the most prevalent carotenoid. Carrots, beet greens, spinach, swiss chard and sweet potatoes had the most vitamin A activity. Analysis of variance indicated that there were no significant differences among either locations or time of analysis. A comparison was made between the new values and the ones listed in USDA Handbook No. 8 and revised Handbook No. 8–9. There were differences between the old and new values in 14 of the 22 fruits and vegetables analyzed.