Quality attributes, antioxidant activity and color profile of orange-fleshed sweet potato grown in Vietnam

This study analyzed the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities and estimated potential renal acid load (PRAL) score of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) grown in Vietnam. In addition, important functional groups of carotenoid compounds in OFSP were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); carotenoid pigments were detected and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that, OFSP had outstanding physicochemical characteristics, containing many nutrients, bioactive substances, minerals and fiber. The negative PRAL score (< 0 mEq/day) of OFSP indicated that this was an alkaline food. FTIR spectroscopy provides a versatile tool for food analysis, and the analysis results showed that the carotenoid composition in OFSP grown in Vietnam have contained 14 complete functional groups detected, with 14 spectral peaks spanning the wavelength range from 433.98 cm^-1 to 3288.63 cm^-1. HPLC analysis identified the main carotenoid pigment in OFSP as β-carotene. The detailed evaluation of the physicochemical characteristics, functional groups and colorants in OFSP has shown that it is possible to use this raw material to develop different food products, playing a useful role in vitamin A deficiency management and improving the quality of human life.