Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is an orange-red carotenoid pigment (C40H56) used both as a source of vitamin A and as a food color. Most commercial supply is made by chemical synthesis; natural-source material comes from fermentation with the fungus Blakeslea trispora, from the alga Dunaliella salina, or from palm oil. The pure crystals do not dissolve in water and oxidize readily, so brands usually buy an oil suspension, a beadlet or a water-dispersible emulsion or powder.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Micronized crystals suspended in vegetable oil at a stated percentage (30% is common), for softgels, margarine and fat-based foods.
Beta-carotene in a gelatin or starch matrix at stated percentages such as 10% or 20%, for tablets, capsules and dry blends.
Color grades for beverages and dairy; particle size and formulation set the shade, from yellow to orange.
Beta-carotene from Dunaliella algae, Blakeslea trispora fermentation or palm oil; algal and palm material carries other carotenoids alongside beta-carotene.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Beta-carotene oxidizes and fades on contact with air, light and heat, so keep it in sealed, light-proof, nitrogen-flushed containers in a cool place. Oil suspensions should be mixed before sampling or use because the crystals settle. Shelf life and retest intervals come from the supplier specification, with assay as the main retest check.
Assay and, for color grades, hue can differ between lots, so record each lot's assay and run a test batch where shade matters. Keep synthetic and natural-source lots as separate items, since label and marketing claims depend on the source.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1245 affirms beta-carotene as GRAS as a nutrient supplement in specified foods, and describes it as synthesized from vitamin A acetate.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.95 lists beta-carotene, prepared synthetically or obtained from natural sources, as a color additive for foods that is exempt from certification.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Under 21 CFR 101.9, a statement of the percent of vitamin A present as beta-carotene may be declared voluntarily on the nutrition label.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists beta-carotene as a source ingredient for vitamin A.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer
Carotenoid producer that grows its own tomato varieties for lycopene and also supplies lutein from marigold, astaxanthin from algae and beta-carotene from fungal fermentation, as nutrients and food colors.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include oil suspension, beadlets and dry powders, water-dispersible emulsions and powders and natural-source. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay, identity and isomer profile, loss on drying and residue on ignition, heavy metals, residual solvents and microbiology (dry forms), each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Beta-carotene oxidizes and fades on contact with air, light and heat, so keep it in sealed, light-proof, nitrogen-flushed containers in a cool place. Oil suspensions should be mixed before sampling or use because the crystals settle. Shelf life and retest intervals come from the supplier specification, with assay as the main retest check.
21 CFR 184.1245 affirms beta-carotene as GRAS as a nutrient supplement in specified foods, and describes it as synthesized from vitamin A acetate. 21 CFR 73.95 lists beta-carotene, prepared synthetically or obtained from natural sources, as a color additive for foods that is exempt from certification. Under 21 CFR 101.9, a statement of the percent of vitamin A present as beta-carotene may be declared voluntarily on the nutrition label. Health Canada's Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Supplements monograph lists beta-carotene as a source ingredient for vitamin A.
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