Tropical Fruits and Nectars Typically Consumed in Latino Communities Are Excellent Sources of Vitamins A, C, and Other Nutrients

Authors: Thomas, Robin; Gebhardt, Susan

Submitted to: American Dietetic Association Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/24/2009
Publication Date: 2/24/2009
Citation: Thomas, R.G., Gebhardt, S.E. Tropical Fruits and Nectars Typically Consumed in Latino Communities Are Excellent Sources of Vitamins A, C, and Other Nutrients. American Dietetic Association (ADA), Denver, CO, October 17-20, 2009.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Latinos are the largest minority group in the U.S. The Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL) is sampling and analyzing foods commonly consumed by Latin Americans in order to improve the quality and quantity of data on ethnic foods in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. Guanabana, guava, mango, and tamarind nectars were sampled from retail stores using NDL’s National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program’s (NFNAP) nationwide, probability-based method. Nectars were sent to qualified labs for analysis of proximates, sugar, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. Findings include the following per 1 cup (251 ml): guava nectar, 10% DV for fiber; and mango nectar, 35% DV for vitamin A. All nectars are excellent sources of vitamin C (30-82% DV). NDL and Minnesota’s Nutrition Coordinating Center created a list of tropical fruits typically consumed in Latino communities. The NFNAP sampling method was not feasible due to the low probability of finding these fruits in retail stores. Cherimoya, jackfruit, mango, papaya, and mamey sapote were purchased from U.S. wholesalers, then composited and analyzed. All five fruits are excellent sources (32-138% DV) of vitamin C per 140 g (FDA serving, approximately 1 cup). Other standouts are mango for vitamin A and folate (29% and 21% DV, respectively); mamey sapote for potassium (21% DV); and cherimoya and mamey sapote for fiber (20% and 26% DV, respectively). Papaya has 1931 µg lycopene per 140 g. These new analytical values will enable researchers, clinicians, and consumers to more accurately assess the nutrient intakes of Latin Americans.