Vitamin B content in fruits
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Vitamin B Content in Fruits: Overview and Key Findings
Fruits are important sources of various B vitamins, though the specific content and types of B vitamins can vary widely depending on the fruit species, cultivar, ripeness, and environmental factors 1567.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and B2 (Riboflavin) in Common Fruits
Studies show that apples, peaches, nectarines, and strawberries contain measurable amounts of vitamin B1 and B2, but the levels differ by cultivar. For example, apples have vitamin B1 ranging from 0.063–0.208 mg/100g and B2 from 0.006–0.031 mg/100g. Peaches and nectarines show B1 levels of 0.014–0.276 mg/100g and B2 of 0.019–0.042 mg/100g. Strawberries have B1 between 0.112–0.394 mg/100g and B2 between 0.001–0.027 mg/100g . Other fruits like bananas, oranges, and tomatoes also contain both B1 and B2, though older studies often reported combined values for these vitamins 23.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Forms in Fruits
Vitamin B3 exists as nicotinic acid and nicotinamide in foods. Fruits generally have low levels of nicotinic acid but higher levels of nicotinamide. The proportion of these forms can vary, with fruits showing nicotinic acid and nicotinamide contents ranging from 12–100% and 0–88%, respectively, depending on the type of fruit . Peaches, nectarines, and strawberries also contain niacin, with values ranging from 0.298–1.096 mg/100g in peaches/nectarines and 0.388–0.809 mg/100g in strawberries .
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine, Pyridoxal, Pyridoxamine) in Fruits
Vitamin B6 is present in various forms (vitamers) in fruits. In a study of 22 commonly consumed fruits, vitamin B6 content ranged from 3.71 to 198.32 μg/100g, with passionfruit and apple mango having the highest levels. The content of B6 vitamers can also vary with fruit ripeness and variety . Persimmon fruits, for example, contain 10.5 mg/100g of vitamin B6 .
Other B Vitamins in Fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits are notable for containing a broad spectrum of B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), inositol (B8), and folate (B9) . Seabuckthorn berries also contain thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and folic acid (B9), with levels fluctuating during fruit ripening . Some tropical fruits from Brazil show B vitamin levels ranging from 0.003 to 6.107 mg/100g, highlighting the diversity in vitamin B content among different fruit species .
Unique Sources and Notable Findings
Garcinia brasiliensis (bacupari) fruit pulp is an excellent source of vitamin B1, providing about 20% of the recommended daily intake, and is notable for containing vitamin B12, which is rare in plant foods . Persimmon fruits are also rich in several B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, and B9 .
Factors Affecting Vitamin B Content in Fruits
The vitamin B content in fruits can be influenced by cultivar, harvest time, cultivation methods, and environmental conditions. Therefore, nutrient composition databases should consider these factors for accurate assessment 1567.
Conclusion
Fruits provide a variety of B vitamins, with the specific content and types varying by fruit species, cultivar, and other factors. While some fruits are particularly rich in certain B vitamins, consuming a diverse range of fruits is recommended to ensure adequate intake of the full spectrum of B vitamins.
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