Reduction in photostability by the esterification of β-cryptoxanthin

Liposomes, in which β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin palmitate or β-cryptoxanthin acetate had been embedded, were irradiated by UVA, and the rate of degradation of each carotenoid was measured. There was no significant difference in the degradation rate between β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin. The degradation rates of β-cryptoxanthin palmitate and β-cryptoxanthin acetate were faster than that of β-cryptoxanthin, and the degradation rate of β-cryptoxanthin palmitate was faster than that of β-cryptoxanthin acetate.