Determination of Beta-Carotene Contents of Some Commonly Consumed Fruits (mango, Monkey Cola, Tomato, Water Melon)

Student: Rebecca Isaiah Okon (Project, 2025)
Department of Science Laboratory Technology
Heritage Polytechnic, Ikot Udota, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine and compare the beta-carotene content of four selected indigenous fruits—mango, tomato, monkey kola, and watermelon—using UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, is essential for vision, immune function, and antioxidant defense. Fruit samples were homogenized, extracted with tetrahydrofuran (THF), and analyzed at an absorbance of 450 nm. The results, recorded in triplicates, were statistically analyzed using SPSS to calculate the mean, standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA for comparison. Findings revealed that mango had the highest beta-carotene content, followed by tomato, monkey kola, and watermelon. Chivita, used as a control, showed lower beta-carotene levels compared to the fresh fruit samples. ANOVA results indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the samples. The outcome of this study emphasizes the nutritional importance of these locally available fruits and supports their inclusion in diets to help reduce vitamin A deficiency.

Keywords
BETA-CAROTENE CONTENTS OF MANGO MONKEY COLA TOMATO AND WATER MELON
Filters
Institutions