Vitamin E Content and Composition in Tomato Fruits: Beneficial Roles and Bio-Fortification

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Assunta Raiola³  Gian Carlo Tenore¹  Amalia Barone³  Luigi Frusciante³  Maria Manuela Rigano³  Maria Laura Colombo²  Laura Di Renzo² 

[1] Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy;;Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, Portici (Naples) 80055, ItalyDepartment of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, Portici (Naples) 80055, Italy;

关键词: tocopherol;    tocotrienol;    Solanum lycopersicum;    health effects;    metabolic pathway;    biosynthesis;    environmental conditions;    processing;    biofortification;    quantitative trait loci;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijms161226163

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that high vitamin E intakes are related to a reduced risk of non-communicable diseases, while other dietary antioxidants are not, suggesting that vitamin E exerts specific healthy functions in addition to its antioxidant role. In this regard, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), one of the most consumed vegetables of the whole world population, is an important source of both tocopherols and tocotrienols. However, vitamin E content may strongly depend on several biotic and abiotic factors. In this review we will debate the elements affecting the synthesis of tocopherols and tocotrienols in tomato fruit, such as environmental conditions, genotype, fruit maturity level, and the impact of classical processing methods, such as pasteurization and lyophilization on the amount of these compounds. In addition we will analyze the specific vitamin E mechanisms of action in humans and the consequent functional effects derived from its dietary intake. Finally, we will examine the currently available molecular techniques used to increase the content of vitamin E in tomato fruit, starting from the identification of genetic determinants and quantitative trait loci that control the accumulation of these metabolites.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.