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Iron deficiency enhances bioactive phenolics in lemon juice
Author(s) -
Mellisho Carmen D,
GonzálezBarrio Rocío,
Ferreres Federico,
Ortuño María F,
Conejero Wenceslao,
Torrecillas Arturo,
GarcíaMina José M,
Medina Sonia,
GilIzquierdo Angel
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.4428
Subject(s) - lemon juice , chemistry , polyphenol , flavonols , flavones , citrus limon , food science , bioactive compound , carotenoid , horticulture , botany , antioxidant , biology , organic chemistry , biochemistry , sugar , chromatography
BACKGROUND This study was designed to describe the phenolic status of lemon juice obtained from fruits of lemon trees differing in iron (Fe) nutritional status. Three types of Fe(III) compound were used in the experiment, namely a synthetic chelate and two complexes derived from natural polymers of humic and lignine nature. RESULTS All three Fe(III) compounds were able to improve the Fe nutritional status of lemon trees, though to different degrees. This Fe(III) compound effect led to changes in the polyphenol content of lemon juice. Total phenolics were decreased (∼33% average decrease) and, in particular, flavanones, flavones and flavonols were affected similarly. CONCLUSION Iron‐deficient trees showed higher phenolic contents than Fe(III) compound‐treated trees, though Fe deficiency had negative effects on the yield and visual quality of fruits. However, from a human nutritional point of view and owing to the health‐beneficial properties of their bioavailable phenolic compounds, the nutritional quality of fruits of Fe‐deficient lemon trees in terms of phenolics was higher than that of fruits of Fe(III) compound‐treated lemon trees. Moreover, diosmetin‐6,8‐di‐ C ‐glucoside in lemon juice can be used as a marker for correction of Fe deficiency in lemon trees. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry