Provitamin A potential of landrace orange maize variety (Zea mays L.) grown in different geographical locations of central Malawi

The provitamin A potential of landrace orange maize from different locations (A, B, C and D) of central Malawi has been evaluated. Physicochemical compositions, color, total carotenoid content (TCC), carotenoid profiles, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity as antioxidant capacities of maize were determined. Color values of orange maize had correlations with beta-cryptoxanthin (r > 0.36). TCC of white and orange maize averaged 2.12 and 59.5 mg/kg, respectively. Lutein was the most abundant carotenoid (47.8%) in orange maize, followed by zeaxanthin (24.2%), beta-carotene (16.4%) and beta-cryptoxanthin (11.6%). Location D showed the highest levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and antioxidant capacity. Provitamin A content of orange maize met the target level (15 mu g/g) of biofortification. Retinol activity equivalent (RAE) from beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene in orange maize averaged 81.73 mu g/100 g. In conclusion, orange maize has the potential to be a natural source of provitamin A. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.