Apocarotenal, or trans-β-apo-8'-carotenal, is a carotenoid found in spinach and citrus fruits. Like other carotenoids, apocarotenal plays a role as a precursor of vitamin A, even though it has 50% less pro-vitamin A activity than β-carotene. The empirical chemical formula for apocarotenal is C30H40O.
Apocarotenal has an orange to orange-red colour and is used in foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic products. Depending on the product forms, apocarotenal is used in fat based food (margarine, sauces, salad dressing), beverages, dairy products and sweets. Its E number is E160e and it is approved for usage as a food additive in the US, EU and Australia and New Zealand.
References
External links
- Some info on apocarotenal
- Olson, A.J. (1964). "The biosynthesis and metabolism of carotenoids and retinol (vitamin A)" (PDF). Journal of Lipid Research. 5 (3): 281–298. doi:10.1016/S0022-2275(20)40196-8. PMID 5334361.
