Estimation of Daily Intake of α, β, γ and δ Tocopherols in Foods Purchased in Japan according to the Market Basket Method

Abstract

According to the market basket method proposed by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare, the same kinds of foods were purchased in Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Yamanashi, Nagano, Nagoya, Osaka, Wakayama, Matsue, Takamatsu and Kitakyushu; processed foods in October, 1983, and fresh foods in October, 1985, and in May, 1986. Each of the food types collected was classified into 8 or 6 groups and subjected to analysis of the tocopherol homologue contents. The average daily intake of tocopherols per capita was calculated to be 17.12mg, comprising 31% α-, 8% β- 56% γ- and 5% δ-tocapherol. The intake of α-tocopherol equivalent per capita per day, therefore, was estimated to be 6.71 mg. There was a charaefieristic difference in the composition of tocopherols between fresh and processed foods, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol predominating in each, respectively. With reference to regional differences in daily intake of tocopherol, the maximum was 31.43mg, 2.9 times higher than the minimum. In the case of fresh foods, there was no seasonal difference with regard to the daily intake of tocopherol.