Impact of biofortified maize consumption on serum carotenoid concentrations in Zambian children

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018 Feb;72(2):301-303. doi: 10.1038/s41430-017-0054-1. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

Abstract

Biofortified maize, designed as an intervention strategy to prevent vitamin A deficiency, can provide upwards of 15 μg β-carotene per g dry weight. Some varieties also have elevated concentrations of other carotenoids. We conducted a cluster randomized, controlled feeding trial in rural Zambia to test the impact of daily consumption of biofortified maize over a 6-month period on vitamin A status. Serum concentrations of retinol and carotenoids were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data on circulating carotenoids by intervention group in 679 children are reported here. As previously shown, consumption of this β-carotene-rich maize significantly improved serum β-carotene concentrations (0.273 vs. 0.147 μmol/L, p < 0.001, in this subset of children). Here we show significant increases in α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin (p < 0.001). There was no impact on lutein or lycopene concentrations. Consumption of biofortified maize can have broader implications beyond the control of vitamin A deficiency (Trial registration: NCT01695148).

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Beta-Cryptoxanthin / blood
  • Carotenoids / blood*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diet*
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified*
  • Growth Disorders / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Lutein / blood
  • Male
  • Nutritional Status
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Thinness / epidemiology
  • Zambia / epidemiology
  • Zea mays*
  • Zeaxanthins / blood
  • beta Carotene / blood

Substances

  • Beta-Cryptoxanthin
  • Zeaxanthins
  • beta Carotene
  • Carotenoids
  • alpha-carotene
  • Lutein

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01695148