FOOD. Science. Technology. Quality

Food. SCIENCE. Technology. Quality

Food. Science. TECHNOLOGY. Quality

Food. Science. Technology. QUALITY

Authors

RENATA KAZIMIERCZAK, EWELINA HALLMANN, MARIANNA SUŁEK

Title

Content of carotenoids in selected carrot juices from organic and conventional production and intended for consumption by infants and adults

Abstract

In the research study, the content of carotenoid compounds was analysed and assessed in six selected carrot juices purchased on the Polish market, including the juices coming from the organic and conventional production. Of the juices analysed, two products were intended for infants and one was a good-for one-day juice with a short shelf-life. The carotenoid content in the products analysed was determined by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To identify individual carotenoid compounds, there were used external standards in the form of β-carotene, α-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein of 99.98 % purity. It was proved that the juice brand had a significant effect on the content of bioactive compounds in the juices. On average, the juices from conventional production contained significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more carotenoids in total than the organic juices but they did not differ in terms of the content of individual compounds, such as β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. The juices intended for adults were richer in total carotenoids and they contained more dry matter than the juices for infants. Of the juices of different brands, the conventional 4 Kon D juice stood out; it was characterised by the highest carotenoid content, including β- and α-carotene. The conventional 6 Kon D juice was the richest in xanthophylls (zeaxanthin and lutein). The study results obtained constitute an important evidence for consumers that the carrot juices available on the Polish market are a valuable source of carotenoids, especially of β-carotene and lutein, and their impact on human health is positive; therefore, they should be present in the daily diet for children and adults.

Keywords

carrot juice, carotenoids, organic production, conventional production, juices for infants

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