Sunroot, also known as the Jerusalem artichoke, is a sunflower cultivated for its tubers. It is native to the eastern United States. The tubers are 3 to 4 inches long and have a consistency similar to potatoes, but their taste is sweeter and nuttier. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that a 100 g serving of sunroot contains 78 calories, about 18 g of carbohydrates and 1.6 g of fiber. The sunroot tuber is a significant source of B vitamins, especially thiamine.
Thiamine
Sunroot is a rich source for thiamine, also known as vitamin B1. One hundred grams of sunroot contain approximately 0.2 mg of thiamine, according to the USDA. This is equivalent to about 18 percent of the Institute of Medicine's recommended daily intake of thiamine for men and women. Thiamine helps perform essential functions in general cell metabolism, and the heart and central nervous system are most sensitive to a deficiency in this vitamin.
Riboflavin
According to the USDA, 100 g of sunroot contains approximately 0.06 mg of riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2. This is equivalent to about 5 percent of the RDA of riboflavin for men and women. Riboflavin is required by enzymes that play a role in energy production and as antioxidants. Riboflavin deficiency is characterized by skin, mucus membrane and eye inflammation and decreased red blood cell production.
Niacin
The same serving size of sunroot contains approximately 1.3 mg of niacin, or vitamin B3. This is equivalent to between 8 percent and 9 percent of the RDA for adults. Niacin is also essential for cellular energy production and in the synthesis of cholesterol. The skin, digestive system and central nervous system are especially sensitive to niacin deficiency.
Pantothenic Acid
One hundred grams of sunroot contain approximately 0.4 mg of pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5. This is about 8 percent of the RDA for men and women. Pantothenic acid forms part of the molecule coenzyme A, which plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. A deficiency in pantothenic acid is rare, but symptoms suggest that the nervous system is predominately affected.
Pyridoxine
One hundred grams of sunroot contain approximately 0.08 mg of pyridoxine, or vitamin B6. This is equivalent to about 6 percent of the adult RDA. Pyridoxine assists in the synthesis of red blood cell and chemical messengers in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. Low pyridoxine levels can result in anemia, nerve damage and seizures.
Folate
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is found at levels of 13 mcg per 100 g of sunroot. This is equivalent to just over 3 percent of the RDA for men and women. Without folate, DNA synthesis cannot occur, leading to severe impairments in growth and development. This is why folate supplementation or increased dietary intake of folate is essential during pregnancy.
Vitamin C
Like the B vitamins, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, and 100 g of sunroot contains approximately 4 mg of this nutrient. This is equivalent to 4 percent and 5 percent of the RDA of vitamin C for men and women, respectively. Vitamin C's primary role is as an antioxidant, but it is also necessary for the synthesis of the structural molecule collagen. A deficiency in vitamin C has historically been known as scurvy, which is characterized by tooth loss, joint pain and excessive bleeding, especially in the gums.
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