The goal of this study is to determine if papaya fruits are an exceptionally good food source for carotenoids in humans, particularly when compared more common carotenoid sources like carrots and tomatoes. This objective will be accomplished by quantitation of the immediate post-prandial plasma concentrations of parent carotenoids and vitamin A metabolites from subjects who consumed a meal containing fresh papaya, tomato, and carrot.
The main purpose of this study is comparing bioavailability of papaya carotenoids versus carrot and tomato carotenoids. Previously, vitamin A deposition in rat livers was studied, showing that carotenoid bioavailability from papaya is higher than from spinach, parsley and carrots. Detailed knowledge about human carotenoid absorption and conversion from papaya fruit compared to other food sources is still lacking.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
16
Post-prandial study feeding 400-506 g papaya (1.6 mg beta-carotene, 2.1 mg beta-cryptoxanthin, 13 mg lycopene), 150 g yogurt (10% fat), and 45 g of fat free bread.
Post-prandial study feeding 25-35 g carrot (= 1.6 mg beta-carotene), 150 g yogurt (10% fat), and 45 g of fat free bread.
Post-prandial study feeding 256-396 g tomato (= 13 mg lycopene), 150 g yogurt (10% fat), and 45 g of fat free bread.
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States
University of Costa Rica
San José, Costa Rica
Pharmacokinetics of Carotenoid Absorption From Papaya, Carrot and Tomato
The primary goal of this research is to investigate whether papaya can deliver increased quantities of carotenoids when compared to carrot and tomato. An area under the curve for concentration of carotenoids (from triglyceride rich lipoprotein (TRL) fraction of plasma) over time will be determined to quantify absorption, after subjects consume a meal containing papaya, carrot or tomato.
Time frame: 8 post-prandial blood samples over 9.5 hours
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.