The biological availability of beta-carotene in cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta Crantz), was verified by means of an assay based on the hepatic depletion of vitamin A reserves model in rats. Rats depleted of hepatic vitamin A received dehydrated cassava leaves as beta-carotene source for 25 days and were compared to groups that received diets with vitamin A, beta-carotene and without vitamin A. The Zero group was formed of 8 animals that received a diet based on casein, lacking vitamin A, during 15 days. At the end of the experiment, all animals were killed and their livers, serum and feces were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and it was verified that the bioavailability of beta-carotene of dehydrated cassava leaves was lower.
bioavailability; beta-carotene; vitamin A; cassava leaves
