Beta-carotene is the main colorant in carrots, and the most abundant carotenoid in nature. It is a unique ingredient because it possesses three significant attributes.
Firstly, it acts as a safe source of vitamin A, because it is converted to vitamin A in the human organism at the rate needed. Secondly, it is an important physiological antioxidant, which acts as a scavenger for free radicals, and hence may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Thirdly, it is a healthy colorant, which is used to provide yellow to orange colour in foods.
Beta-carotene is not soluble in water, which makes it impossible to add directly into water based foodstuffs. Besides, Beta-carotene is very sensitive to both air and light. Therefore, in order to allow the use of Beta-carotene in food products and dietary supplements, it is critical to develop stable and colour effective formulations.
Suspensions of Beta-carotene in various vegetable oils are being used in products like margarine and soft gelatine capsules. Cold water dispersible powders are spray dried emulsions of Beta-carotene, which easily disperses in water, and form stable emulsions. Typical applications for these powders are beverages, custards, and baked goods. By changing the matrix composition it is also possible to crreate powders which can withstand the high pressure in tablet manufacturing. Some customers are demanding Beta-carotene oil-in-water emulsions.
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Allied Biotech Europe GmbH is based in Karlsruhe, Germany. www.altratene.com
