Some Canadian-grown potato cultivars contribute to a substantial content of essential dietary minerals

J Agric Food Chem. 2012 May 9;60(18):4688-96. doi: 10.1021/jf204940t. Epub 2012 Apr 24.

Abstract

Potato consumption provides significant dietary contributions to several essential minerals, but the effects of cultivar and planting site are not well-understood. The mineral content of 16 cultivars, grown at 5 locations, was measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy and evaluated on a per serving basis for percent recommended daily intake (% RDI), emphasizing some minerals where global deficiencies are common (calcium, iron, selenium, and zinc). Discriminant analysis showed that both genotype and growing location were important. Differences in mineral content occurred between cultivars at each site, specific cultivars at different sites, and collectively between sites. 'Freedom', 'Yukon Gold', and particularly the very stable mineral source 'Russet Burbank' contributed most to the % RDI for minerals. One serving per day of these cultivars provides a significant contribution to the % RDI for the macrominerals magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium and the trace minerals copper, iron, selenium, and zinc.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Canada
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minerals / analysis*
  • Nutritive Value
  • Plant Tubers / chemistry*
  • Plant Tubers / growth & development
  • Solanum tuberosum / chemistry*
  • Solanum tuberosum / growth & development
  • Species Specificity
  • Trace Elements / analysis*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Minerals
  • Trace Elements