The objective of this research work was to fractionate bovine blood, collected hygienically in a slaughterhouse, into blood plasma protein concentrate, red blood cell concentrate, globin isolate, and a carboxymethylcellulose-heme iron (CMC-heme) complex. All four fractions were studied for proximate composition and amino acid and mineral contents. The nutritive value of plasma protein concentrate and globin isolate was comparatively studied using rat bioassays. The amino acid content in plasma protein concentrate is well balanced and produced net protein utilization and net protein ratio equivalent to 95% those of casein. Globin isolate ( approximately 91% protein) is deficient in isoleucine and S-containing amino acids and was unable to support rat growth at 10% concentration in the diet. Red blood cell concentrate and the isolated CMC-heme complex were good sources of bioavailable iron. Iron availabilities for CMC-heme and whole blood cell concentrate, related to ferrous sulfate as 100%, were 64 and 70%, respectively.

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Carotenoids are plant pigments having beneficial biological activities for humans, such as pro-vitamin A, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, among others. However, the human organism cannot produce these compounds on its own, therefore they must be supplied through a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, particularly one consisting of lutein. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids belonging to the xanthophyll group. Although they have no pro-vitamin A activity, they are important carotenoids for eye healthcare. Thus, this work is aimed at performing a literature review on the main foods containing lutein so as to investigate the effect of its consumption on human health. It is noted that vegetables having dark green leaves are foods containing the highest lutein content, especially capuchin leaf, an unconventional food plant. In addition, lutein intake has numerous health benefits, such as minimizing the risk of macular diseases, as well as slowing down the progression of several chronic diseases, thus evidencing the importance of consuming such foods.