ARS | Publication request: Quantification of Niacin and Folate Contents in Peanuts

Submitted to: American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 14, 2009
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are known to be sources of several important B-vitamins, including niacin and folate. Recent research has shown that therapeutic doses of niacin are beneficial for vascular health; therefore, determination of the concentrations found in current varieties in production and potential breeding lines is needed. Folate is a term for a related group of compounds with vitamin activity important in DNA biosynthesis. Adequate levels of folate intake have been found to reduce levels of a variety of syndromes, most notably fetal neural disorders. Current information about the concentrations and the specific types of folates present may position peanuts as an important source of this nutrient. For this study, we analyzed a series of samples from the 2008 UPPT to compare levels of niacin and folates across ten locations. Selected samples from the Core of the Core of the peanut germplasm collection were also analyzed. A range of concentrations was found which suggests that germplasm/varietal differences may be sufficient for increases in levels of these vitamins through conventional breeding.