Nanosized carotenoid cyclodextrin complexes

Abstract

Methods for the preparation of nanosized nutrient formulations for enhanced absorption of nutritional agents. The methods include the complexation of cyclodextrin with carotenoids and incorporation of the complexes into the nutritional supplements without intermediate collection, isolation, and drying steps.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A carotenoid containing composition comprising:
 at least one carotenoid;   a cyclodextrin; and   fish oil, wherein the fish oil comprises from 70 wt % to 90 wt % of the composition.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the cyclodextrin is γ-cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the cyclodextrin is a combination of γ-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, lycopene, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , further including additional nutritional components selected from the group consisting of beeswax, vitamin A, vitamin E, D-limonene, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the fish oil is present comprises from 75 wt % to 85 wt % of the composition. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one carotenoid is complexed with the cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         8 . A method of enhancing bioavailability of a carotenoid, comprising:
 co-administering to a subject in need thereof an a carotenoid and a combination of a cyclodextrin and fish oil.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the carotenoid and the cyclodextrin are complexed together. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the cyclodextrin is γ-cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the cyclodextrin is a combination of γ-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of astaxanthin, lycopene, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein additional nutritional components are co-administered, said additional nutritional components selected from the group consisting of beeswax, vitamin A, vitamin E, D-limonene, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the carotenoid, cyclodextrin, and the fish oil are administered in a single dosage form.