β-lactoglobulin as a vector for β-carotene food fortification

J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Jun 25;62(25):5916-24. doi: 10.1021/jf501683s. Epub 2014 Jun 11.

Abstract

Food fortification is a strategy to overcome vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. Our aim was to investigate the involvement of the bovine milk protein β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg), a potential retinoid carrier, in vitamin A absorption. In vivo experiments were conducted by force-feeding mice with retinol or β-carotene associated with either β-Lg or oil-in-water emulsion, with subsequent determination of both vitamin A intestinal mucosa and plasma contents. Caco-2 cells were then used to investigate the mechanisms of vitamin A uptake when delivered by either β-Lg or mixed micelles. We showed that β-Lg was as efficient as emulsion to promote β-carotene, but not retinol, absorption in mice. Similar results were obtained in vitro. Interestingly, an inhibitor of the Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I significantly decreased the uptake of micellar β-carotene but not that of β-carotene bound to β-Lg. Overall, we showed that β-Lg would be a good vector for β-carotene food fortification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Cattle
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Emulsions / administration & dosage
  • Emulsions / chemistry
  • Food, Fortified / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Lactoglobulins / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Vitamin A / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin A / chemistry
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • beta Carotene / administration & dosage
  • beta Carotene / chemistry*

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Emulsions
  • Lactoglobulins
  • beta Carotene
  • Vitamin A