A composition comprising: a) a primary lipid component obtainable as the
reaction product of one or more carboxylic acids with at least one of
glycerol and propylene glycol; b) a co-lipid component selected from at
least one of phosphorus-containing lipids and hydroxylated carboxylic
acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides; c) lipophilic physiologically
active ingredient; and d) water. The composition may be used to improve
the bioavailability of the lipophilic physiologically active ingredient
in food or beverage products. The physiologically active ingredient may
be selected from carotenoids, fat-soluble vitamins, phytosterols,
phytostanols and combinations thereof.