Stereochemical isomers composition and vitamin A value of Brazilian palm oils

Carotenoids pigments in crude and refined oils from Brazilian palm were analyzed. Beta-carotene was the principal fraction detected in all samples, varying from 142.6 micrograms/g to 314.25 micrograms/g in crude palm oils; from 132.55 micrograms/g to 612.16 micrograms/g in Brazilian palm kernels; and from 139.4 to 168.90 micrograms/g in refined palm oils. Alfa-carotene levels were 44.67 micrograms/g and 125.32 micrograms/g in the crude palm oil; 85.99 micrograms/g to 240.99 in palm kernel and 52.22 to 63.91 micrograms/g in refined palm oils. All-trans beta-carotene was the most important isomer; 9-cis and 13-cis alfa and beta-carotenes were also found. Vitamin A values were 2,065 and 10,255 RE in 100 g sample.