The comparison demonstrates that the behaviour of both the natural and synthetic version of the product is identical in these applications. Natural beta-carotene has a stability which is at least equivalent to that of the synthetic product.
Nutritional Applications
Natural beta-carotene in a 30% sunflower oil suspension is the preferred medium for dietary supplements such as soft-gelatine capsules. The unique particle size distribution in combination with the low viscosity makes the product highly suitable for the production of soft gels. The suspension can be customized at any % required. In addition, the suspension can be produced in any preferred oil. The 30% oil suspension provides 500.000 IU/gr.
Capsulation tests
In order to assess the performance of natural beta-carotene as a supplement, the material was encapsulated in soft gelatine capsules. Two batches of capsules were prepared, each capsule containing approximately 6 mg of both natural beta-carotene and synthetic beta-carotene. To assess the stability of the beta-carotene during the encapsulation process and during capsule storage, stability testing was carried out by exposing the capsules to fluorescent light in a box for 5 days at 70ºF. In general no significant changes were observed in beta-carotene content between the blends used to fill the capsules, the capsules as received from the manufacturer and the capsules after a five-day stability study. The optimised particle size distribution (small particles and low viscosity) showed ideal behaviour during processing of the oil suspension.
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