Northern berries as a source of carotenoids.

Carotenoids are bioactive substances in human diet. The aim of the study was to determine ß-carotene and xanthophylls in four berries species. An HPLC gradient elution system were used for separation and quantification of the carotenoids. The highest total carotenoid content among the berries studied was found in cloudberry (2840 µg/100g dw), followed by blueberry (2140 µg/100 g). All berries had lutein but it was a predominant carotenoid in blueberry. The highest ß-carotene levels were found in cloudberry (83% of total Car content). Cranberry and cowberry were the poorest sources of carotenoids. Our data will be included in the regional database of resources with the increased nutritional value.