Characterisation of the β-lactoglobulin/α-tocopherol complex and its impact on α-tocopherol stability

► β-Lactoglobulin (β-LG) interacts with lipophilic α-tocopherol. ► β-LG/α-tocopherol interaction depends on their ratios and α-tocopherol aggregation. ► α-Tocopherol binds to the central cavity as well as to a second site on the surface. ► Complexing with β-LG protected α-tocopherol somewhat against decomposition.