Xanthophyll; Lutein

(in 509 products)

1. Colorant - Pigments or dyes that are added in order to change or enhance the color.

2. Dietary / Nutritional Supplement - Vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids or probiotics that improves nutritional intake

Lutein was found to be present in a concentrated area of the macula, a small area of the retina responsible for central vision. The hypothesis for the natural concentration is that lutein helps protect from oxidative stress and high-energy light. Several studies show that an increase in macula pigmentation decreases the risk for eye diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Lutein (LOO-teen) is a oxygenated carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits. lutein is found in the macula of the eye, where it is believed to act as a yellow filter. Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals.

Lutein is a natural part of human diet when orange-yellow fruits and leafy green vegetables are consumed. Some foods contain relatively high amounts of lutein such as kale, spinach and nasturtium. Lutein can be used as food additive (E number 161b) and is extracted from the petals of African marigold.

Lutein is approved to use as food coloring in EU.

1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5281243

1. EU Approved Food Additive [2018]

- E161b