Extraction of beta-carotene from orange peels and its nutritional evaluatio
n through feeding study were carried out to compare the bioavailability of
the extractable beta-carotene with that of synthetic beta-carotene. The hig
hest yield of extractable beta-carotene was recovered using a mixture of ac
etone and hexane (1:1 v/v) as a solvent in a ratio of 15:1 (solvent/sample)
and an extraction time of 15 minutes. Growth of rats fed a diet containing
beta-carotene extracted from orange peels was normal and their weight gain
during feeding period was real. In addition, bioavailability of the extrac
table beta-carotene was higher than that of synthetic beta-carotene, as a r
esult of the presence of extra oils in the diet that contained beta-caroten
e extracted from orange peels.
Finally, the economical advantage can be reached by extracting beta-caroten
e from orange peels. The bioavailability of this extractable beta-carotene
was high enough to compete with that of commercial synthetic beta-carotene.
So, it can be strongly recommended to produce such product in a large scal
e.