2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Our objectives are to determine:. 1)the relative absorption (plasma response) of beta-cryptoxanthin (CX) and beta-carotene (BC);. 2)the relative transfer of CX and BC to breastmilk; and. 3)the relative Vitamin A (VA)potential of CX and BC (breastmilk retinol responses). 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Exclusively breastfeeding Bangladeshi women with marginal vitamin A status will be randomly assigned to receive 0.5 mg RAE/d, 6 d/week, for 6 weeks, as either. 1)tangerines (CX),. 2)orange sweet potatoes (BC), or . 3)0.5 mg RAE as retinyl acetate plus a low carotenoid fruit (apple). Breastmilk and plasma samples will be collected at baseline and weekly for measurement of CX, BC and VA. Test foods will be provided as daily snacks between meals, twice per day. The change in plasma and breastmilk concentrations of CX, BC and VA will be calculated and examined by treatment group using analysis of covariance, and used to compare the effectiveness of CX- and BC-rich fruits and vegetables as sources of vitamin A to the mother and child. 3.Progress Report In 2011, enrollment was completed and all blood and breast milk samples retrieved. Data collected on dietary uptake, demographics, and dark adaptation is under review. Approximately 2/3rds of the blood samples were analyzed. Methods of extracting and analyzing carotenoids from breast milk were compared, and a standard operating procedure for breast milk carotenoids is being evaluated. Baseline characteristics for the subjects (age, parity, anthropometry, creamatocrit data, and carotenoid and retinoid concentrations) did not differ between groups, showing the randomization strategy was effective.