Potato protein based nanovehicles for health promoting hydrophobic bioactives in clear beverages

Vitamin D is a fat soluble nutraceutical of great importance for multi-system function: calcium and bone metabolism, insulin reactivity, cell differentiation, the immune system and more. However its deficiency is a pandemic problem, which calls for fortification of staple foods and popular beverages with this vital micronutrient. Fortifying beverages with vitamin D poses tough challenges especially due to its low aqueous solubility, and acid-sensitivity. We studied the possibility of using potato proteins as protective nanovehicle for delivery of vitamin D in clear beverage solutions. Potato proteins are produced from a widely available and inexpensive raw material. They are considered GRAS and non-allergenic. Moreover, Potato proteins are natural and applicable in vegetarian, vegan and KOSHER PARVE products. Vitamin D3 (VD) - potato protein nanoparticles were formed in phosphate buffer at pH 2.5 and the solutions obtained were transparent. The VD - potato protein co-assemblies were much smaller than the VD aggregates without potato protein. The nanocomplexation provided significant protection and reduced VD losses during pasteurization, and during simulated shelf life tests under several different sets of storage conditions. Hence potato protein shows promise as a good protective carrier for VD, and possibly other hydrophobic bioactives, for enrichment of clear beverages and other food & drink products, to promote human health.