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Chocolate carotenoids and Vitamin A
Project
Project code: MRI-PBE-08-1010 BLS Schokolade
Contract period: 01.01.2017
- 31.12.2018
Purpose of research: Inventory & Assessment
The project goal is the determination of the contents of carotenoids (i.e. beta-carotene) and vitamin A (retinol equivalents) in a variety of chocolate samples. The results will be implemented in the nutrient database „Bundeslebensmittelschlüssel (BLS)“. For a number of foods, available data are not sufficient. This is also true in case of chocolate, due to low contents and complex analysis methods. Thus, analysis results will contribute to a better estimation of the overall intake of these micronutrients.
Within the project, the content of beta-carotene and all-trans-retinol in chocolate was determined for the Bundeslebensmittelschlüssel (BLS). For this purpose, a method for extraction and HPLC analysis was successfully established and validated. Due to the laborious sample preparation, pooled samples for various chocolate types were prepared from individual BLS samples, which were then analyzed by at least two repeat determinations (for beta-carotene via standard addition). The determined concentrations were consistently very low and showed a tendency to depend on the milk content. Whereas the content in cream and milk chocolates (incl. white chocolate) was between 24-34 µg/100 g lag, the content in dark chocolates was clearly below 20 µg/100 g. In chocolate beverage powder, the content was less-than 6 µg/100 g in the order of the limit of quantitation. Further carotenoids were detected, but not quantified due the very low concentrations. Similar results were obtained for all-trans-retinol. The content in milk chocolates was 5-10 µg/100g, in dark chocolate less-than 2 µg/100 g. Also for retinol, the content in chocolate beverage powder was mostly below the limit of quantitation. The obtained data were added to the BLS and are available in upcoming BLS versions for scientific evaluations.
Section overview
Subjects
- Food Chemistry
- Food Processing
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
MRI - Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Nutrition (MRI-PBE)
