Comparison between intense pulsed light and continuous ultraviolet treatment processes for enhancing the vitamin D₂ content of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) powder

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are a rich source of ergosterol, which can be converted into vitamin D₂, a valuable nutrient for human health. This study evaluated the enhancement of vitamin D₂ in shiitake-mushroom powders using intense pulsed light (IPL). The initial vitamin D₂ content of the sample was 4.18 μg/g. After IPL treatment at various processing times and lamp voltages, the maximum concentration of vitamin D₂ was reached 100.82 μg/g at 1800 V for 30 min–24 times higher than the control. The IPL effectively converted ergosterol into vitamin D₂ in mushroom powders, with the ultraviolet (UV) range being the most influential. At certain fluences, IPL's effect on vitamin D₂ production surpassed continuous UV treatment. These findings suggest that IPL can significantly enhance vitamin D₂ content in mushroom powders, presenting a promising alternative for fortifying functional foods.