Objective: The objective of this study was analytical assessment of the concentration of selected antioxidants as well as total antioxidant capacity of daily diets of children and adolescents from orphanages in Krakow (Poland).
Methods: Daily diets of children and adolescents were collected in 4 seasons of the year from 7 orphanages located in Krakow. The concentrations of vitamin C, β-carotene, polyphenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity were measured.
Results: The lowest content of vitamin C in diets of children and adolescents was measured in diets collected in autumn. The estimated average requirement (EAR) was in the range 49.0%-76.4%. In winter the content of this compound was significantly higher in daily diets (113.9%-192.0% coverage of EAR) compared to the level of this nutrient in daily diets from other seasons. The content of β-carotene, lower than 50% of EAR value, calculated as the vitamin A equivalent, has been demonstrated in 4 orphanages in summer and in one in spring and autumn. The highest mean content of this antioxidant in daily diets was found in winter, when β-carotene intake met recommendations in the range 131%-368%. The mean concentration of polyphenolic compounds per year was in the range 301.5-537.5 mg/person/day. It has been observed that diets during the winter and autumn generally provide higher amounts of polyphenols than in other seasons. The highest antioxidant activity was measured in diets collected during the winter season.
Conclusions: The results indicate that the diets of children and adolescents should contain more fresh vegetables and fruits, which are good source of natural antioxidants.
Keywords: antioxidant capacity; bioactive compounds; daily diets; polyphenolic compounds; vitamin C; β-carotene.