Carotenoids are fat-soluble natural pigments found in various foods, known for their potential health benefits, particularly their conversion to vitamin A. Since humans cannot synthesize carotenoids or vitamin A, they must obtain these nutrients from their diet to avoid health issues. Despite initiatives from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable blindness in children and is part of broader micronutrient deficiencies. Efforts to combat malnutrition include supplementation programs and recommendations to enhance dietary diversity by incorporating micronutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in provitamin A carotenoids, which are often locally available in at-risk populations. This approach is especially relevant for tropical developing countries, where a variety of fruits and vegetables are accessible year-round. Consequently, there is significant interest in identifying new sources rich in carotenoids to meet daily vitamin A requirements. This doctoral thesis focuses on exploring the nutritional potential of mamey sapote fruit (Pouteria sapota) as a promising source of carotenoids, specifically those with provitamin A activity.
