Project Number: 5306-51530-018-13
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Dec 01, 2008
End Date: Feb 14, 2013

Objective:
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).

Approach:
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.