Background: Carotenoids as biologically active compounds, found in products of plant origin, have a beneficial impact on human health by protecting it against the development of many diseases. People and animals do not have the ability to synthesize these compounds de novo, they must be regularly supplied with food.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate intake of selected carotenoids and indicate their main sources in the daily food ration in adults.
Material and method: The study was conducted in autumn and spring season, in 2010-2011, among 512 adults, aged 18-97 years, from the urban environment of the central Poland. Food frequency questionnaire method was used to assess the intake of carotenoids.
Results: The mean intake of beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein was respectively 6.3; 7.0 and 2.7 mg/person/day. Level of education was a factor which significantly influenced on all carotenoids intake. Persons with higher level of education consumed significantly higher amounts of carotenoids in relation to persons with primary level of education. It was also found statistically significantly higher beta-carotene intake by women when compared to men. Persons with evidence of overweight or obesity consumed significantly more lycopene. The main sources of beta-carotene were fresh vegetables (62%), including carrot (37%). The largest amounts of lycopene came from processed tomato (50%) and fresh tomatoes (32%). Sources of lutein were total vegetables which contributed to diet over 80%, including fresh vegetables (55%).
Conclusions: The main source of carotenoids in the diet of Polish adults were vegetables and their products, and the level of education was the most differentiating factor in the their total intake.