Apia – A new study indicates the potential benefits under-utilized indigenous crops could provide on nutrition-related problems in Micronesia. Concern over nutrition security in this area is high, as traditional plant foods in the diet are being replaced by imported foods of lower nutritional content.

Writing in the latest edition of the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, sponsored by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a group of researchers from the Federated States of Micronesia, Switzerland, Fiji, Australia, USA, and Palau have generated new data, and confirmed previous findings, showing that Micronesian giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii) varieties are rich sources of nutrients.

For the first time, the researchers present data on carotenoid and mineral content of many varieties of giant swamp taro, in addition to dietary characteristics of Micronesian citizens. According to lead researcher Lois Englberger, certain varieties contain high amounts of micronutrients, including beta-carotene and essential minerals such as zinc, iron, and calcium.

The authors pointed out that their findings are important for establishing locally relevant dietary guidelines; assessing dietary intake and determining relationships between diet, disease, and health; providing information for agricultural and trade development; and presenting data needed for protecting biodiversity and traditional food systems of indigenous peoples.

Carotenoid contents of giant swamp taro varieties in Micronesia varied from almost nothing to extremely high (greater than 4000 µg/100 g), with at least four varieties found with beta-carotene contents well over 1000 µg/100 g. Englberger states that by consuming four cups a day of most of these giant swamp taro varieties, more than half of the estimated vitamin A requirement can be satisfied. Vitamin A deficiency, causing night blindness in adults, and total blindness and other serious disorders in children, is still prevalent in some Pacific Island countries.

Furthermore, the researchers discovered that zinc, calcium, and iron contents of giant swamp taro were much higher than many other island produce. Some varieties analysed contained enough zinc and calcium to achieve 50-100% of the recommended intakes of these nutrients. In addition, iron content was documented at 0.8mg/100g, whereas banana and breadfruit showed levels averaging only half this amount.

Until recently, not enough attention had been given to the nutritional attributes of Pacific Island neglected crops like the giant swamp taro, which can thrive on atoll islands, where soils are sandy and salty and few crops grow well. Farmers providing samples, along with Micronesian consumers, indicated that they had not known about the high nutrient content and potential health benefits of eating Cyrtosperma, and that such knowledge was motivating for carrying out extra work in growing and preparing this food.

In Micronesia, nutritionists encourage that Cyrtosperma varieties containing substantial concentrations of carotenoids and minerals should be promoted for their potential health benefits, along with the food security, economic, cultural, and environmental benefits of growing and eating this local food. The promotion and revitalization of giant swamp taro could help Micronesian people overcome the multiple burdens of malnutrition affecting their Islands.