β-Cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin are highly bioavailable from whole-grain and refined biofortified orange maize in humans with optimal vitamin A status: a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Biofortification of staple crops with β-carotene is a strategy to reduce vitamin A deficiency, and several varieties are available in some African countries. β-Cryptoxanthin (BCX)-enhanced maize is currently in field trials. To our knowledge, maize BCX bioavailability has not been assessed in humans. Serum retinol 13C content and xanthophyll concentrations are proposed effectiveness biomarkers for biofortified maize adoption.

Objective

We determined the relative difference in BCX and zeaxanthin bioavailability from whole-grain and refined BCX-biofortified maize during chronic feeding compared with white maize and evaluated short-term changes in 13C-abundance in serum retinol.

Design

After a 7-d washout, 9 adults (mean ± SD age: 23.4 ± 2.3 y; 5 men) were pro

SUBMITTER: Titcomb TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8483000 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature