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Validation of an HPLC method for carotenoid analysis: application to the determination of the carotenoid content of ten varieties of red potatoes (Ipomea batata). Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in developing countries and more than 250 millions children under five are concerned. Three complementary approaches are used to overcome its consequences: prophylactic vitamin A supplementation, vitamin A food fortification and promotion of food containing provitamin A carotenoids. In the framework of the promotion of various types of red potatoes consumption, an HPLC method was validated for carotenoid analysis. Zeaxanthine (ZEA), echinenone (ECHI), lycopene (LYCO), α-carotene (ACAR) and β-carotene (BCAR) were analysed. Good linearity was obtained for all the five carotenoids from 0.25 to 1.5 pmole μl–1. The recovery rates were 100 ± 10 and the precision assessed by the variation coefficients was less than 10%. The analysis of red potatoes show that the Jewel, Narumintang Niger and Caromex Niger types were rich in β-carotene (respectively 1911, 2348, and 2046 μg per 100 g). The Jewel, Narumintang Niger were the most concentrated and homogenous in their carotenoid contents. Others potatoes types (Kolokohogo BF, Lantaogo 2 and Ming Shu Niger) appeared to contain carbobydrate only. To cite this article: I.T. Somé et al., C. R. Chimie 7 (2004). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]