β-Cryptoxanthin
β-Cryptoxanthin is a natural carotenoid pigment. It has been isolated from a variety of sources including the fruit of plants in the genus Physalis, orange rind, winter squashes such as butternut, papaya, egg yolk, butter, apples, and bovine blood serum.[1]
Chemistry
In terms of structure, β-cryptoxanthin is closely related to β-carotene, with only the addition of a hydroxyl group. It is a member of the class of carotenoids known as xanthophylls.
In a pure form, β-cryptoxanthin is a red crystalline solid with a metallic luster. It is freely soluble in chloroform, benzene, pyridine, and carbon disulfide.[1]
Biology and medicine
In the human body, β-cryptoxanthin is converted to vitamin A (retinol) and is, therefore, considered a provitamin A. As with other carotenoids, β-cryptoxanthin is an antioxidant and may help prevent free radical damage to cells and DNA, as well as stimulate the repair of oxidative damage to DNA.[2]
Other uses
β-Cryptoxanthin is also used as a substance to colour food products (INS number 161c). It is not approved for use in the EU[3] or USA;Script error: No such module "Unsubst". however, it is approved for use in Australia and New Zealand.[4]
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ a b Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ UK Food Standards Agency: Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
- ↑ Australia New Zealand Food Standards CodeScript error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Script error: No such module "Navbox".