Impact of molar absorbance on anthocyanin content of the foods
Publication Name
Food Chemistry
Abstract
Anthocyanins are present in bright colored fruit and vegetables with growing evidence for their health benefits. Several methods exist in the literature to measure the total monomeric anthocyanin content in foods. Although the simplest method uses UV–Vis spectrophotometry, it requires the use of anthocyanin molar absorption coefficients (Ɛ). While commonly reported for some compounds, these values vary substantially between studies. This study collated and compared existing Ɛ values for a range of anthocyanin-3-glucosides, measured new Ɛ values for these compounds and underwent an inter-laboratory validation of spectrometry methods. The Ɛ values used for the determination of anthocyanin content in Australian blueberries, were shown to greatly affect the estimated total anthocyanin. Significant differences in the Ɛ values were observed when measured at 520 nm, or their absorbance maximum and substantial difference in the estimated total anthocyanins were observed when expressed as equivalent of cya-3-glu or mal-3-glu.
Open Access Status
This publication is not available as open access
Volume
386
Article Number
132855
Funding Sponsor
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Government