Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) molasses: Physicochemical characterization and in vitro bioavailability of different genotypes

The present study aimed to analyze the physicochemical composition, bioactive compound contents and iron bioavailability (cell culture caco-2) of sweet sorghum molasses of different genotypes and compare them to sugar cane molasses. Sorghum molasses presented proteins (0.28-2.90%), lipids (0.07-0.53%), total dietary fiber (0.00-2.85%), carbohydrates (90.16-93 0.29%), pH (4.67-4.95), acidity (0.3-0.45) and BRIX (38.2-58.5 degrees). The sorghum molasses contained high ash concentration (3.30-6.86%) and calcium (397-966 mg), compared to sugar cane (1.98% and 70 mg). Sorghum molasses presented higher levels of total phenolic compounds (19.3-48.4 mg GAE/g) compared to sugar cane (8.8 mg GAE/g). Ferritin concentration was higher in two sorghum molasses (6.3-6.8 ng/mg), compared to sugar cane (4.3 ng/mg). Thus, sorghum molasses proved to be a promising source of minerals and bioactive compounds and an excellent food to be used in human nutrition.