Beta-carotene and astaxanthin inhibit the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in butter during heat treatment

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) generated from heating butter pose a potential threat to consumer health. This study involved heating butter under different conditions and analysing the changes in the content of 54 PAHs. Furthermore, we investigated the inhibitory effects of β-carotene, pure astaxanthin and astaxanthin microcapsule powder on PAH formation. Results showed that heating temperature and duration affect the formation and transformation of PAHs, with higher temperatures facilitating the synthesis of oxygenated PAHs, whereas longer heating times promote the accumulation of light PAHs. Despite an observed increase in the concentration of light PAHs following heat treatment with added antioxidants, the antioxidants significantly reduced the toxic equivalency quotients (TEQs) in butter. This study revealed the PAH production pattern during butter heating and the effectiveness of antioxidants in inhibiting their accumulation.