ARS | Publication request: Vitamin B9 is Higher in Developmentally Younger Potato Tubers

Submitted to: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 10, 2008
Publication Date: April 1, 2009
Citation: Goyer, A., Navarre, D.A. 2009. Vitamin B9 is Higher in Developmentally Younger Potato Tubers. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 89:579-583.

Interpretive Summary: Folate (Vitamin B9) deficiency is a global nutritional problem and is problematic even in the developed world. A deficiency of folates in the diet is associated with the increased risk of neural tube defects, cardiovascular diseases, anemia, and some cancers. Several studies have shown that because of their large consumption potatoes are an important source of dietary folate. We measured folate concentrations throughout tuber development, including the new potato stage and found that potatoes of about the one ounce size that are typically marketed as "new potatoes" or "baby potatoes" have higher amounts of folate than mature tubers. Analysis of 11 genes involved in folate metabolism did not correlate with folate concentrations during tuber development. New potatoes can be a significant source of folate and new potato characteristics such as this are likely to be valued by consumers.

Technical Abstract: BACKGROUND: Folate (Vitamin B9) deficiency is a global nutritional problem and is problematic even in the developed world. Several studies have shown that because of their large consumption potatoes are an important source of dietary folate. New or baby potatoes constitute a valuable niche market that has been expending in the recent years. We measured folate concentrations throughout tuber development, including the new potato stage. RESULTS: Folate concentrations were determined in tubers from three cultivars harvested at regular intervals throughout the growing season. Folate was higher in young tubers and dropped 2.6- to 3.4-fold by the time of harvest. Analysis of the transcription of 11 genes involved folate metabolism suggested developmental changes in folate concentrations may be controlled primarily at the post-transcriptional level. CONCLUSION: Folate concentrations were higher in younger tubers and in some cultivars, substantially higher. New potatoes can be a significant source of folate and new potato characteristics such as this are likely to be valued by consumers.