Vitamin Variation in Capsicum Spp. Provides Opportunities to Improve Nutritional Value of Human Diets

PLoS One. 2016 Aug 17;11(8):e0161464. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161464. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Chile peppers, native to the Americas, have spread around the world and have been integrated into the diets of many cultures. Much like their heat content, nutritional content can vary dramatically between different pepper types. In this study, a diverse set of chile pepper types were examined for nutrient content. Some pepper types were found to have high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, or folate. Correlations between nutrient content, species, cultivation status, or geographic region were limited. Varietal selection or plant breeding offer tools to augment nutrient content in peppers. Integration of nutrient rich pepper types into diets that already include peppers could help combat nutrient deficiencies by providing a significant portion of recommended daily nutrients.

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid / metabolism*
  • Capsaicin / metabolism*
  • Capsicum / chemistry*
  • Capsicum / classification*
  • Diet
  • Folic Acid / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Nutritive Value*
  • Vitamin A / metabolism*

Substances

  • Vitamin A
  • Folic Acid
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Capsaicin

Grants and funding

The authors have no support or funding to report.