Iron / Zinc Supplementation and Postprandial Levels of Provitamin A Carotenoids from Papaya under Vitamin A Deficient Diet

Abstract

Objectives: Iron deficiency anemia, zinc and Vitamin A deficiencies are serious public health problems in Cameroon. Traditional diets are usually poor in micronutrients The study aimed at determining the bioavailability of 3 provitamin A carotenoids (PACs) in young adult men, consuming a vitamin A deficient diet and zinc/iron supplementation. Methods: Twelve healthy participants divided into three groups were supplemented with iron, zinc or iron+zinc over 2 weeks under a vitamin A and PACs deficient diet. A test meal containing 0.55 kg of fresh pealed papaya was the unique dietary source of PACs. Four blood samples were successively taken for various analyses. Results: Iron and iron/zinc supplementation led to higher retinol levels in the serum. Zinc and iron/zinc were best for optimal absorption of α-carotene and β-carotene, compared to iron alone. Iron/Zinc was the best supplement for better β-kryptoxanthin absorption. Conclusions: Supplementation with iron/zinc appears to allow for maximum bioavailability of PACs from local fruit consumption and should be considered for use on in populations that suffer from several micronutrient deficiencies.