Natural coloring agent, nutritional fortification, antioxidant - beta-carotene

Introduction of β-carotene

Beta-carotene (C40H56), one of the carotenoids, is an orange-colored, fat-soluble compound that is the most prevalent and stable natural pigment found in nature.  It is a member of the family of natural chemicals (e.g. carotenoids or carotenoid). It is found in large quantities in plants and gives fruits and vegetables their full yellow and orange color. The pure product has the appearance of a reddish-purple to dark red crystalline powder with a slightly peculiar odor. 

Dilute solution of β-carotene is orange-yellow in color and easily soluble in organic solvents such as methylene chloride, chloroform and carbon disulfide. When the concentration of the solution increases, it is orange, and can be slightly red due to the polarity of the solvent. Unstable with oxygen, heat and light. More stable in weak bases. 

β-carotene is widely used in food industry, feed industry, medicine and cosmetic industry. At present, the methods used to obtain β-carotene are natural substance extraction, chemical synthesis and microbial fermentation. 

Application areas

Beta-carotene, whose name comes from the Latin word for carrot, is an orange fat-soluble compound that is a precursor to vitamin A. It is found in large quantities in plants and gives fruits and vegetables their full-bodied color. Because of its coloring, antioxidant and nutrient-enhancing properties, beta-carotene is widely used in general foods and medical and health products.

Beta-carotene has been recommended by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization as a food additive and nutritional fortification, and has been recognized as a Class A excellent nutritional pigment and approved for application in 52 countries and regions around the world. 

Application Direction

Beta-carotene is widely used as a nutritional fortification ingredient in health foods.Like other carotenoids, β-carotene is an antioxidant. Consuming foods rich in beta-carotene prevents the body from being exposed to a damaging molecule called a free radical, which can cause cellular damage through the oxidation process. At the same time, beta-carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A when needed, which can cause toxicity if the body consumes too much of it. In contrast, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A only when the body needs it, a feature that makes beta-carotene a safe source of vitamin A.

Moreover, beta-carotene is an excellent antioxidant, and it has a synergistic effect with vitamin E and vitamin C. Their combination is known as the "iron triangle" of antioxidants, which has a strong antioxidant effect. Adding beta-carotene to cosmetics such as lipsticks and rouges can make them naturally rich in color, and also nourish and protect the skin

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