Nutritional and ecological aspects of buriti or aguaje (Mauritia flexuosaLinnaeus filius): A carotene-rich palm fruit from Latin America

Abstract

Mauritia flexuosa, a palm tree native of Latin America, is an excellent source of carotenes. The natural habitats are swamps; nevertheless, with sufficient water supply, it can grow in other soils. Buriti is the richest natural source of beta carotene known (152,000 µg RAE/100g in the oil). Animal studies showed an extremely high bioavailability, probably due to its oily composition. The effectiveness of buriti in treating and preventing xerophthalmia was demonstrated in a controlled community trial with 44 children in Brazil. In conclusion, this fruit has an enormous potential in preventing vitamin A deficiency in Latin America and elsewhere.