Changes in antioxidant capacity and colour associated with the formation of β-carotene epoxides and oxidative cleavage derivatives

In this study HPLC–DAD–MS/MS was applied for the identification of compounds derived from (all-E)-β-carotene following epoxidation and oxidative cleavage. The consequences on the CIELAB colour parameters and antioxidant capacity (AC) were also evaluated. Five apocarotenoids, three secocarotenoids, seven Z isomers and two epoxides were detected as a result of the oxidative cleavage. Four epoxides and three Z isomers were detected as a consequence of the epoxidation reaction. Some compounds were detected for the first time as a result of oxidation reactions. Both treatments led to a marked decrease in b∗ and C ab ∗ values, indicating that these colour parameters can be used for the rapid assessment of β-carotene oxidation. The oxidative cleavage of β-carotene resulted in increased capacity to both scavenge ABTS+ and quench singlet oxygen. These results suggest that the study of the AC of these oxidative derivatives and their possible usefulness as food ingredients deserves further attention.