Papaya: what it contains and why it matters
Papaya is a tropical fruit (papita). This page lists its nutritional content from published sources and explains which lab parameters it relates to.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
Nutritional content of papaya
Per 100 g edible portion, from published composition data.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 43 kcal | USDA |
| Carbohydrate | 10.82 g | USDA |
| Protein | 0.47 g | USDA |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.26 g | USDA |
| Total dietary fiber | 1.7 g | USDA |
| Vitamin C | 60.9 mg | USDA |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 47 µg | USDA |
| Folate | 37 µg | USDA |
| Potassium | 182 mg | USDA |
| Calcium | 20 mg | USDA |
Which lab parameters does papaya relate to?
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the immune system and helps the body absorb non-heme iron from plant foods [WHO].
Vitamin A
Vitamin A supports vision, the immune system and the health of skin [WHO].
Folate
Folate is needed to make and repair DNA and to form red blood cells [WHO].
Potassium
Potassium helps nerves and muscles work and helps balance the body's fluids [WHO].
Vegetarian and dietary notes
Papaya is an unprocessed, plant-based botanical fruit suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Frequently asked questions
How much vitamin C does papaya contain?
Raw papaya contains 60.9 mg of vitamin C per 100 g [USDA]. Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and acts as an enzymatic cofactor in physiological processes such as collagen biosynthesis.
What is the potassium content in raw papaya?
Raw papaya provides 182 mg of potassium per 100 g [USDA]. Potassium is an essential mineral that functions as the primary intracellular cation responsible for maintaining membrane potential and fluid balance.
What forms of vitamin A are present in papaya?
Papaya contains provitamin A carotenoids, including beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, providing 47 µg RAE of vitamin A per 100 g [USDA]. Vitamin A functions in ocular photoreceptor maintenance and epithelial tissue regulation.
How much dietary fiber is found in papaya?
Papaya contains 1.7 g of total dietary fiber per 100 g [USDA]. Dietary fiber provides mechanical bulk to intestinal contents and influences transit time through the gastrointestinal tract.
What is the folate content in papaya?
Papaya provides 37 µg of folate per 100 g [USDA]. Folate is a B-complex vitamin that functions as a coenzyme in single-carbon transfer reactions necessary for nucleotide biosynthesis and amino acid metabolism.
Sources
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central, Agricultural Research Service. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
- WHO — World Health Organization — nutrition fact sheets. https://www.who.int/