Food groups as the source of retinoids, carotenoids, and vitamin A in Finland.

The average retinoid, carotenoid, and vitamin A (RE, retinol equivalents) intake of the Finnish population was determined. The food consumption data were derived mainly from the national food balance sheets (for 1987). In this study, the average Finnish diet was composed twice a year, and the retinoid and carotenoid composition was analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The intake of retinoids and carotenoids was also calculated using the most recent Finnish analytical data on food composition. The vitamin A content of beef, chicken and pork liver, all of which contribute of the vitamin A intake, at different times of the year was determined. The beta-carotene intake in Finland varied between 1700 and 2100 micrograms/day, depending on the season. It is obvious that liver consumption plays a significant role in the vitamin A intake. Since the concentration of retinoids in liver, and especially in pork liver, is extremely high, the average vitamin A intake of the Finnish population may exceed 3000 RE/day. If liver consumption (3.7 g/day) is excluded, the average daily vitamin A intake in Finland is 970-1200 RE, a value in better agreement with the recommended daily allowances.