2010 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. Documents Reimbursable NRI Grant. Log 35592. 3.Progress Report Enrollment on this study continues. Approximately 75 volunteers have completed the study. A new rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for the project, which can separate and measure b-cryptoxanthin, b-carotene, and their metabolites retinol, retinyl palmitate, and other carotenoids and retinoids. Laboratory work is in progress and is needed prior to analyzing data for effect of the intervention on nutritional status. Review Publications Burri, B.J., Turner, T. 2009. Evaluating the effectiveness of beta-carotene-rich food interventions for improving vitamin A status. In: Nova Scientific Publishes, Haupergne New York. Beta Carotene: Dietary Sources and Cancer. Haupergne New York. p. 263-282.