A European carotenoid database to assess carotenoid intakes and its use ina five-country comparative study

A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid database with informati on on alpha- and beta -carotene, lutein, lycopene and beta -cryptoxanthin w as prepared and used to compare the carotenoid intakes in five European cou ntries: UK, Republic of Ireland, Spain, France and The Netherlands. Eighty, age- (25-45 years) and sex-matched volunteers were recruited in each of th e five countries. A FFQ and carotenoid database was prepared of the most co mmonly consumed carotenoid rich foods in the participating countries and th e information was used to calculate frequency and intake of carotenoid-rich foods. The median total carotenoid intake based on the sum of the five car otenoids, was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in France (16.1 mg/day) and l ower in Spain (9.5 mg/day,) than the other countries, where the average int ake was approximately 14 mg/day. Comparison of dietary source of carotenoid s showed that carrots were the major source of <beta>-carotene in all count ries except Spain where spinach was most important. Likewise, carrots were also the main source of alpha -carotene. Tomato or tomato products, were th e major source of lycopene. Lutein was mainly obtained from peas in Republi c of Ireland and the UK, however, spinach was found to be the major source in other countries. In all countries, beta -cryptoxanthin was primarily obt ained from citrus fruit. Comparing the data with that from specific Europea n country studies suggests that the FFQ and carotenoid database described i n the present paper can be used for comparative dietary intake studies with in Europe. The results show that within Europe there are differences in the specific intake of some carotenoids which are related to different foods c onsumed by people in different countries.