Volume 90, Issue 4, October (2003), pp. 795-801 © The Author 2003
doi:10.1079/BJN2003962

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Plasma response to a single dose of dietary β-cryptoxanthin esters from papaya (Carica papaya L.) or non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin in adult human subjects: a comparative study

Dietmar E. Breithaupt¹, Philipp Weller¹, Maike Wolters², Andreas Hahn^2
1Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 28, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany
²Institute of Food Science, University of Hannover, Wunstorferstr. 14, 30453 Hannover, Germany

 (Received 17 December 2002–Revised 22 May 2003–Accepted 23 June 2003)

Many orange-coloured fruits contain β-cryptoxanthin in its non-esterified as well as its esterified form. Information concerning the absorption of β-cryptoxanthin, especially with regard to the metabolism of its fatty acid esters, is rather scarce. The present study assessed the plasma concentration reached after consumption of a single dose of native β-cryptoxanthin esters from papaya (Carica papaya L.) or non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin in equal total amounts. In a randomized, single-blind crossover study, twelve subjects were served a portion of yoghurt containing esterified or non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin (1·3 mg absolute) together with a balanced breakfast. Between the two intervention days, there was a 2-week depletion period. After a fasting blood sample had been taken, futher samples were taken from the subjects at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h. The concentration of non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin in the whole plasma was determined by HPLC; β-cryptoxanthin identification was confirmed by liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–MS analyses. Irrespective of the consumed diet, the plasma β-cryptoxanthin concentrations increased significantly (P=0·05) and peaked after 6–12 h. The concentration curves, as well as the areas under the curves, were not distinguishable according to two-sided F and t tests (P=0·05). Standardization of β-cryptoxanthin concentrations to plasma triacylglycerol and cholesterol had no impact on the results. Thus, the present study indicates comparable bioavailability of both non-esterified β-cryptoxanthin and mixtures of β-cryptoxanthin esters. The results support the existence of an effective enzymatic cleavage system accepting various β-cryptoxanthin esters.

Keywords:
β-Cryptoxanthin, Carotenoid ester, Plasma carotenoid response, Liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–mass spectroscopy

Abbreviations:
APcI, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, AUC, area under the curve, LC, liquid chromatography, MBTE, methyl-tert-butyl ether