STABLE AND INJECTABLE SOLUBLE FORMS OF BETA-CAROTENE, AND METHODS OF PREPARING THEM

A process for the preparation of beta -carotene micellar solutions, wherein a non-ionic emulsifier which is suitable for the preparation of micellar solutions is heated at from 160 DEG to 180 DEG C. and a total of from 20 to 30% by weight, based on the emulsifier, of beta -carotene is introduced in the presence of a conventional antioxidant, the hot homogeneous mixture is cooled rapidly to below 100 DEG C. by adding water, and the formulation is brought to the desired concentration of from 3 to 6% by weight by adding further water, and the beta -carotene micellar solutions obtained by this process. The non-ionic emulsifiers used in this process have an HLB value of from 12 to 16, and are in particular oxyethylated triglycerides of fatty acids of 12 to 18 carbon atoms containing 20-60 oxyethylene units. Parenteral admininstration of the stable beta -carotene micellar solutions according to the invention to cattle relieves the disturbed estrus cycle and impaired fertility caused by beta -carotene deficiency.