Genetic variation of carotenoids, vitamin E and phenolic compounds in Provitamin A biofortified maize.

Background: Biofortified maize is not only a good vehicle for provitamin A carotenoids for vitamin A deficient populations in developing countries but also a source of vitamin E, tocochromanols and phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant properties. Using high-performance liquid chromatography and a total antioxidant performance assay, the present study analyzed the antioxidant variation and antioxidant activity of 36 provitamin A improved maize hybrids and one common yellow maize hybrid.

Results: The ranges of major carotenoids in provitamin A carotenoids biofortified maize were zeaxanthin [1.