β-Lactoglobulin Protects β-Ionone Related Compounds from Degradation by Heating, Oxidation, and Irradiation

Abstract

Protective effects of bovine β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) from the degradation of β-ionone related compounds, retinol and β-carotene, was investigated. Retinol- and β-carotene-β-LG complex were incubated under the degrading conditions (heating, oxidation, and irradiation with a fluorescent lamp). The remaining amount of retinol and β-carotene was measured from UV spectra. It was found that β-LG protects β-ionone related compounds from degradation by heating, oxidation, and irradiation.