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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

In vivo and In vitro Infection of Potato Roots with Plant Parasitic Nematodes for the Assessment of Induced Structural Changes

In vivo and In vitro Infection of Potato Roots with Plant Parasitic Nematodes for the Assessment of Induced Structural Changes

Published on: February 28, 2025

Potatoes and human health.

Mary Ellen Camire¹, Stan Kubow, Danielle J Donnelly

¹Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, University of Maine, ME 04469-5735, USA. mary.camire@umit.maine.edu

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

|December 5, 2009

Summary

Potatoes are a globally important food, offering carbohydrates, protein, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Understanding their nutritional and bioactive compounds is crucial for public health as consumption patterns shift.

Area of Science:

Agricultural Science
Human Nutrition
Food Science

Background:

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a vital global food crop, originating in South America and now cultivated in 160 countries.
Potato consumption is shifting from fresh to processed forms, necessitating an understanding of its nutritional impact.
As a staple food for a growing population, even minor changes in potato's nutritional profile can significantly affect public health.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the key nutrient and bioactive compounds present in potatoes.
To analyze the impact of these compounds on human health.
To highlight the growing interest in potato cultivars with enhanced nutritional properties, such as pigmented flesh.

Main Methods:

This review synthesizes existing scientific literature on potato composition and health benefits.

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Nutritional data regarding macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds were analyzed.

The biological value and antioxidant properties of potato constituents were examined.

Main Results:

Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, providing energy with low fat content.
They offer a good source of protein with high biological value (90-100), vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium.
Potato skins are a significant source of dietary fiber, and various compounds contribute to antioxidant activity.

Conclusions:

Potatoes are a nutritionally dense food, contributing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the human diet.
The bioactive compounds in potatoes possess antioxidant properties, with potential health benefits.
Further research into specific potato cultivars, particularly those with pigmented flesh, may offer enhanced health advantages.