Effects on plasma carotenoids and consumer acceptance of a functional carrot-based product to supplement vegetable intake: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Populations worldwide do not meet recommended vegetable intakes, yet significant amounts of vegetables are wasted, including carrots. Aim To investigate whether advice to consume carrot powder is an effective strategy to supplement vegetable intake, compared to advice to consume more vegetables. Design Healthy adults (n = 42) were randomly assigned to either two servings carrot powder/day (CP) [5.2 mg/day carotenoids] or carotenoid-rich vegetables (VEG) [11.4 mg/day carotenoids] for four weeks. Plasma carotenoids were assessed pre- and post-intervention, and consumer attitudes surveyed weekly. Results Total plasma carotenoids increased similarly between groups (median[interquartile range], CP: +0.31[0.09, 0.42]µg/mL; VEG: +0.33[0.23, 0.48]µg/mL, P  = 0.40). ‘Liking’ and ‘desire to eat’ were lower and ‘boredom’ higher ( P Conclusions Carrot powder effectively boosts vegetable intake, however greater consumer understanding of the product and how it may be used is required for improved consumer acceptance.