Microencapsulated Carotenoids Solve Formulating Challenges

LycoRed (Beer Sheva, Israel) will introduce a new line of microencapsulated carotenoids at the upcoming SupplySide MarketPlace (New York City) and Vitafoods Europe (Geneva) trade shows. The company says the microencapsulated beadlets can help beverage and supplement manufacturers overcome carotenoid formulating challenges-specifically, obstacles presented when working with tablet-grade carotenoids because they are lipid soluble and therefore generally highly unstable and easily oxidized.

Because LycoRed’s microencapsulated carotenoids are extremely water soluble, the starch beadlets are well suited for dry-blend beverages, in addition to effervescent tables and hard-shell capsules.

“With this new technology, we have succeeded in formulating beadlets that are exceptionally stable, protecting the carotenoids and vitamins from oxidation,” says Dorit Rozner, PhD, R&D LycoRed’s R&D manager. “The beadlets also are formulated in a unique way that will not allow leakage following direct compression-a common problem associated with substandard coating systems.”

The company is initially offering the following carotenoids in this beadlet form lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein, as well as ingredients vitamin D and vitamin A-acetate. The beadlets are vegetarian and sustainable.