ARS | Publication request: Orange sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A

Submitted to: Agro-Food Industry Hi-Tech
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 19, 2011
Publication Date: September 2, 2011
Citation: Turner, T., Burri, B.J. 2011. Orange sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A. Agro-Food Industry Hi-Tech. 22(4):14-16.

Technical Abstract: Vitamin A is an essential nutrient required for proper growth and development, vision, red blood cell production, and immune function. An estimated 208 million women and children suffer from vitamin A deficiency worldwide, making vitamin A deficiency a public health problem in numerous countries. Several carotenoids, including beta-carotene, can convert to vitamin A in the body. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes contain high concentrations of beta-carotene, and have succeeded in improving human vitamin A status in several small-scale food-based interventions. We estimated the amounts of orange sweet potatoes needed to provide sufficient vitamin A for individuals and at the international level. The amounts required can reasonably be provided, evidence that the orange sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A.