ABSTRACT

Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem and is an underlying cause of several chronic diseases. Mushrooms are the reservoirs of many essential nutrients and bio-active compounds. Upon exposure to sunlight or UV radiations, mushrooms can synthesize vitamin D2 due to the presence of its precursor, ergosterol. Inclusion of vitamin D2 enhanced mushrooms in the diet can be a highly cost- effective method to improve the vitamin D consumption globally. As mushrooms are highly perishable and undergo browning, various pre-treatments like washing and soaking in potassium metabisulphite, citric acid, vinegar, salt and sugar solutions are applied to reduce enzymatic browning, microbial load and increase shelf life. This study aims to compare the changes occurring in vitamin D2 content, nutritive value and antioxidant activity in button mushrooms exposed to natural UV radiation from sunlight (T-1) with those occurring in button mushrooms dipped in potassium metabisulphite prior to exposure to sunlight (T-2) and assess the stability of vitamin D2 over a period of three months. All the samples were analyzed using standard methods and compared against control. Vitamin D2 content in the T-1 sample was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than T-2 and control. Significant effect (p < 0.05) of treatments was also noted in the moisture, ash, fibre and fat content of samples. Non-significant differences were seen in the protein, carbohydrate, calcium and iron content of the samples. Powder from both the treatments retained higher antioxidant properties. A gradual fall in the vitamin D2 content was noted in all samples stored at ambient temperature over the period of three months. Keywords: Agaricus bisporus, Mushroom, Potassium metabisulphite, Vitamin D, UV
Publication date: 01/02/2024

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2024/February/MS_IJBPAS_2024_7806.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2024/13.2.7806