In this study, three b-carotenes of similar all-trans isomer purity
(P95%), one synthetic and two natural, were used. Synthetic
b-carotene (BCS) was obtained from Fluka (Sigma–Aldrich, St.
Quentin Fallavier, France). Gac fruit b-carotene, softly extracted
by n-hexane at room temperature (under 25 C) without
heat-assistance, was from Natencaps, France (BCG: b-Carotene
from Gac). b-Carotene conventionally extracted from natural raw
material was obtained from a Chinese retailer (BCC: b-Carotene
Conventionally extracted) without precise details of the extraction
process. All b-carotene samples were stored at 20 C before use