Main sources of antioxidant vitamins in the Jordanian diet

Abstract

This research evaluates the intakes of the antioxidant vitamins A (retinol), C (ascorbic acid) and E (tocopherols) as obtained from food consumption calculations based on the most recent food budget survey in Jordan (JHEIS, 2010). The estimated antioxidants intakes were analyzed using a nutrition analysis software program (Food Processor, 2008). The results showed that the means of daily per capita intakes of vitamin A, C and E were 781 |jg, 123.3 and 8.4 mg/day, respectively. Amongst the Jordanian household intakes tomato was the best source of vitamins A and C. Beside tomatoes, carrots, fresh spinach and melon were at the top of vitamin A food sources. In addition, corn and olive oils and Jordanian bread were at the top of vitamin E sources. Tomatoes, citrus, green peppers and cucumber were the best sources of vitamin C. It is concluded that the Jordanian diet meets the recommendations of vitamin A and that vitamin C intake was higher than the recommendations whereas vitamin E intake was below the recommendations.