Potatoes contain vitamin C but it is unclear whether the vitamin is bioavailable after the potatoes have been cooked and eaten. This was examined in a new Japanese study.
After an overnight fast, five healthy men (22-27 years) ate 87g mashed potatoes, 282g chips, or drank mineral water (each containing 50mg vitamin C). Blood and urine samples were then collected every 30 minutes or 60 minutes over an 8 hour period.
The results showed that vitamin C from both mashed potatoes and chips were well absorbed and transferred to the blood. Vitamin C levels in the blood were higher after consumption of either potato dish than after consumption of the mineral water. This suggests that mashed potatoes and chips are useful sources of vitamin C.
