abstract |
A process for purifying vitamin A consisting of heating a vitamin A preparation in an inert atmosphere, at a temperature below 170 ~C and a pressure of less than 4 mm of mercury, said heating taking place in a vessel shielded from light is disclosed. The vitamin A obtained from this process i s mixed with from 0.5:1 to 2:1 parts of tocopherol to vitamin A. The vitamin A and tocopherol mixture can be encapsulated in acacia gum, starch, pectins or other suitable materials. When the vitamin A is encapsulated, the level of tocopherol required is less, preferably from 0.05:1 to about 1:1 parts of tocopherol to vitamin A is used in an encapsulated vitamin A composition. Other antioxidants can be added. |