Ascorbic Acid and Vitamin A Activity in Selected Vegetables from Different Geographical Areas of the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT Reduced ascorbic acid (RAA) and Vitamin A (carotenoid) contents of six vegetables obtained from six cities in the United States at two seasons of the year were determined. Mean RAA content (mg/100g) of cabbage was 45.2, carrots 7.8, celery 6.0, corn 6.5, onions 8.4, and tomatoes 15.3. Vitamin C in cooked cabbage was 22.1, corn 6.2, and onions 5.7 mg/100g. Mean vitamin A activity (I.U.) of carrots was 15,228, cabbage 114, celery 133, corn 219, and tomatoes 750. In cooked cabbage and corn, vitamin A content was 89 and 217 I.U., respectively. The RAA and vitamin A content of vegetables from the six geographical areas varied significantly. Vitamin concentrations were generally lower than tabulated values. Retention of RAA in cooked cabbage was 52%; in onions, 58%; and in corn, 98%. Vitamin A retention in cooked cabbage was 82%, and in cooked corn was 98%.