Evaluation of the bioaccessibility of a carotenoid beadlet blend using an in vitro system mimicking the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The release characteristics of a unique blend of carotenoid beadlets designed to increase bioavailability were tested using the dynamic gastrointestinal model TIM-1. Individual carotenoid bioaccessibility peaks were observed over approximately 3-4 hr in the order of lutein and zeaxanthin first, followed by lycopene, and then finally α- and β-carotene; when tested as a beadlet blend or when the beadlets were compressed into tablets. Bioaccessibility measurements of 7%-20% were similar to those previously reported in literature and comparable between the two formulations, beadlet blend and tablet formulations. Total recovery of carotenoids from all compartments ranged from 70% to 90% for all carotenoids, except lycopene where almost 50% was unrecoverable after digestion in the TIM system.