Carotenoid and vitamin content of Karat and other Micronesian banana cultivars

Abstract

We previously found high carotenoid levels in Karat and other Micronesian bananas, indicating potential importance for alleviating vitamin A deficiency and other nutritionally related health problems in the Federated States of Micronesia. Past work focused on carotenoid and mineral analyses, whereas here we investigated 16 cultivars (most not previously analysed) for a broader micronutrient profile, including seven vitamins. Karat carotenoid levels were higher than in previous analyses, confirming Karat as exceptionally carotenoid-rich. We identified an additional 10 carotenoid-rich cultivars, expanding the range having potential for alleviating vitamin A deficiency. A striking finding is the high riboflavin level in Karat, including high levels of uncharacterized flavonoids. Niacin and α-tocopherol are at levels that may contribute importantly to dietary intake within normal patterns of consumption. These data present a more complete basis for promoting the nutritional benefits of these banana cultivars where they are consumed in the Pacific, and potential benefits for promoting elsewhere.

• Karat
• banana
• vitamin A
• carotenoid
• riboflavin
• Micronesia

Notes

1. In this paper, cultivars refer to varieties produced upon cultivation.

2. A banana finger is an individual fruit, a hand is a cluster of fingers, and a bunch is the entire set of banana clusters harvested from one plant.

3. Most banana plants have pendulous bunches, which describes how the bunch grows in respect to the plant, whereas Fe'i plants have erect bunches growing straight upward to the sky.