Interlocking of β-carotene in beta-lactoglobulin aggregates produced under high pressure

Vitamin A deficiency is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the developing World. This deficiency can be prevented by alimentary or pharmaceutical supplementation. However, both vitamin A oxidation and isomerization should be prevented, as these phenomenons result in loss of nutritional efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a food protein matrix, beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg) aggregates produced by high pressure (HP), on the stabilization of beta-carotene during storage and gastro-duodenal digestion and therefore on its bioavailability. In vitro gastro-duodenal digestion of beta-Lg aggregates entrapping beta-carotene showed that up to 12% and 33% of total beta-carotene was released after peptic and pancreatic digestion, respectively. Overall, our study showed that beta-Lg aggregates are efficient for caging and stabilization of beta-carotene during storage and digestion. Hence, it may be an interesting approach for the protection and the delivery of vitamin A. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.