Carotenoid and vitamin content of Micronesian atoll foods: Pandanus (Pandanus tectorius) and garlic pear (Crataeva speciosa) fruit

The fruit of pandanus (Pandanus tectorius) and garlic pear (Crataeva speciosa) are important indigenous Micronesian atoll foods, but are increasingly neglected due to dietary and lifestyle changes. Previous studies have shown considerable differences in carotenoid concentrations in some pandanus cultivars. There are many Micronesian pandanus cultivars, most of which have not been assessed. Carotenoid-rich foods protect against vitamin A deficiency, anemia, and chronic disease, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes, which are serious problems in Micronesia. Eleven pandanus cultivars of Mwoakilloa and Kapingamarangi Atolls, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) (assessed for the first time), dried pandanus paste of the Marshall Islands, and garlic pear of Mortlock Atolls, Chuuk, FSM, were analyzed for carotenoids (β- and α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene). Pandanus paste was assessed for 11 vitamins. The pandanus cultivars contained substantial concentrations of provitamin A carotenoids (110–370 μg β-carotene/100 g) and total carotenoids (990–5200 μg/100 g). Pandanus paste contained 1400 μg β-carotene/100 g, 5620 μg total carotenoids/100 g, and 10 vitamins (including 10.8 mg/100 g vitamin C). Garlic pear contained 1070 μg β-carotene/100 g and 1460 μg total carotenoids/100 g. These cultivars and foods should be promoted in Micronesia and possibly elsewhere in the Pacific and other contexts in order to reduce vitamin A deficiency and provide further health benefits and enjoyment.