OIL-IN-WATER DISPERSIONS OF .BETA.-CAROTENE AND OTHER CAROTENOIDS STABLE AGAINST OXIDATION PREPARED FROM WATER-DISPERSIBLE BEADLETS HAVING HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF CAROTENOID

摘要

Oil-in-water dispersions of .beta.-carotene and other carotenoids that arestable against oxidation, even in the presence of polyphosphates, especiallysodium hexametaphosphate. These oil-in-water dispersions are typicallyprepared by contacting a water-dispersible beadlet comprising at least about 5% colloidal carotenoid with the water phase to form droplets of the carotenoidthat are in intimate contact with sufficient oil phase such that thecarotenoid is stable against oxidation, even in the absence of an effectiveantioxidant such as ascorbic acid. The oil-in-water carotenoid dispersions ofthe present invention are especially useful in dilute juice beverages forproviding vitamin A fortification and color, as well as other oil/water foodand beverage products where vitamin A fortification and/or color are desired.