Assessment of dietary lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene intakes and sources in the Spanish survey of dietary intake (2009-2010)

We assessed the intake and major dietary sources of lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene (nonprovitamin A carotenoids) in Spain using food consumption data from the Spanish National Dietary Intake Survey (2009¿2010). Three-day diaries and one 24-h recall were used to collect dietary data and a software application that includes HPLC data was used. Average intake of those carotenoids was 4290.8 mg/d (67.1% total carotenoid intake), mainly from vegetables (3414.0 mg/d), followed by fruits (393.5 mg/d), oils/fats (204.0 mg/d) and eggs/egg products (170.0 mg/d). Main sources of lutein and zeaxanthin were vegetables (62.9% total diet, 1235.2 mg/person/d). Lycopene intake was 3055.6 mg/d (71.2% of non-provitamin A carotenoids), mainly from tomato and by-products (86.3%) and watermelon. Red- and orange-colored fruits and vegetables were the major contributors of non-provitamin carotenoids (3219.0 mg/person/d). Balanced diets should favor fruits and vegetables over other dietary sources (oils, eggs, processed foods) that contain components to be consumed with moderation.This work was supported by grant from Acción Estratégica en Salud of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación Tecnológica, Spain) [grant number PS09/00681].Peer Reviewe