How do calculation method and food data source affect estimates of vitamin A content in foods and dietary intake?

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the calculation method and food data source on estimates of vitamin A content in foods and in dietary intake. The Brazilian Vitamin A Database (BVAD) was elaborated using compiled data on retinol and carotenoids in Brazilian foods. Vitamin A was calculated with and/or without separating β-carotene isomers. Estimates of vitamin A intake and data on 16 plant foods were compared using data from BVAD, USDA National Nutrient Database and Brazilian Food Composition Table (TACO). Percentage difference (D%) was calculated to evaluate data variability. Calculated vitamin A values with and without separating β-carotene isomers (BVAD) were consistent in most of the evaluated foods and did not impact on vitamin A intake estimates. BVAD data were consistent with TACO analytical data in 81% of the selected foods and only in 37.5% with data from the USDA. Estimates of vitamin A intake calculated by Brazilian databases were similar, while by USDA the results were quite different. Therefore, the use of values for β-carotene without isomer separation in databases did not affect vitamin A data consistency, however, the use data from different countries to evaluate vitamin A intake may result in inaccurate values.