Resumo: Consumption of industrialized baby food is high worldwide, representing the only food source for many babies from 6 months of age. In this way, they must contain all the essential nutrients for the health of babies. Carotenoids, such as ß-carotene and ß-carotene (provitamin A), lutein, and zeaxanthin are some of these bioactive compounds that contribute to the health of the eyes, brain, and immune response, besides their anticancer role. In children, vitamin A deficiency is critical as it can lead to night blindness, delayed growth, and cognitive development. Babies are vulnerable, and the food at this stage will reflect the individual's health in adulthood. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids present in fruit-based baby food. Five industrialized fruit-based baby food were analyzed; 5 homemade fruit-based baby food, and the 15 ingredients used in preparing homemade baby food (fruits, vegetables, and cereal). Analysis of proximate composition, minerals (iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper, and potassium), the composition of carotenoids, and the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids were carried out. In addition, vitamin A content in RAE (Retinol Activity Equivalent) for provitamin A carotenoids and adequacy to RDI (Recommended Dietary Intake) for infants were calculated. The results showed that lipids and minerals positively correlated with the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in industrialized baby food; however, the same was not observed with homemade baby food, fruits, and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables showed the highest bioaccessibility of all-E-ß-carotene, ranging from 5% to 98% in mango and pineapple. However, the concentration of carotenoids was higher in homemade baby food than in vegetables (except carrots) and industrialized baby food. Because they have a higher amount of provitamin A carotenoids, such as all-E-ß-carotene, homemade baby food also had a higher RAE value and, consequently, a higher percentage of adequacy to RDI. However, even the food with the highest RAE value provides a low intake of vitamin A (5% RDI). Thus, breastfeeding or the use of infant formulas should be continued after the introduction of fruits in the diet to ensure adequate vitamin A support Ver menos

Abstract: Consumption of industrialized baby food is high worldwide, representing the only food source for many babies from 6 months of age. In this way, they must contain all the essential nutrients for the health of babies. Carotenoids, such as ß-carotene and ß-carotene (provitamin A), lutein, and zeaxanthin are some of these bioactive compounds that contribute to the health of the eyes, brain, and immune response, besides their anticancer role. In children, vitamin A deficiency is critical as it can lead to night blindness, delayed growth, and cognitive development. Babies are vulnerable, and the food at this stage will reflect the individual's health in adulthood. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids present in fruit-based baby food. Five industrialized fruit-based baby food were analyzed; 5 homemade fruit-based baby food, and the 15 ingredients used in preparing homemade baby food (fruits, vegetables, and cereal). Analysis of proximate composition, minerals (iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper, and potassium), the composition of carotenoids, and the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids were carried out. In addition, vitamin A content in RAE (Retinol Activity Equivalent) for provitamin A carotenoids and adequacy to RDI (Recommended Dietary Intake) for infants were calculated. The results showed that lipids and minerals positively correlated with the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in industrialized baby food; however, the same was not observed with homemade baby food, fruits, and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables showed the highest bioaccessibility of all-E-ß-carotene, ranging from 5% to 98% in mango and pineapple. However, the concentration of carotenoids was higher in homemade baby food than in vegetables (except carrots) and industrialized baby food. Because they have a higher amount of provitamin A carotenoids, such as all-E-ß-carotene, homemade baby food also had a higher RAE value and, consequently, a higher percentage of adequacy to RDI. However, even the food with the highest RAE value provides a low intake of vitamin A (5% RDI). Thus, breastfeeding or the use of infant formulas should be continued after the introduction of fruits in the diet to ensure adequate vitamin A support Ver menos