Lutein
Lutein is a yellow xanthophyll carotenoid. Commercial lutein comes almost entirely from the petals of the African or Aztec marigold (Tagetes erecta): the flowers are dried and extracted with solvent to an oleoresin rich in lutein esters, which is then either sold as esters or saponified and crystallized to free lutein. Free lutein usually carries a small proportion of zeaxanthin. Brands buy it as oil suspensions, beadlets or powders at a declared lutein content.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Saponified and purified lutein crystals, the starting material for the diluted forms below.
Lutein crystals suspended in a vegetable oil at a stated percentage, used for softgels.
Lutein encapsulated in a matrix such as gelatin, gum arabic or starch, often with added tocopherols, for tablets, capsules and drink mixes.
Unsaponified marigold oleoresin where lutein is bound to fatty acids; ester weight is higher than free lutein, so check how content is expressed.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Lutein oxidizes and loses color with oxygen, light and heat, so keep it in sealed, nitrogen-flushed, light-proof containers and follow the supplier's temperature instructions, which may call for refrigeration. Reseal opened containers under inert gas if possible. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and confirmed by HPLC retest.
Record lutein and zeaxanthin for each lot and plan overage based on the supplier's stability data, since content declines over shelf life. Rotate stock first-expired, first-out.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's marigold extract and isolates (lutein and zeaxanthin) monograph lists lutein and lutein esters from Tagetes erecta herb flowering oleoresin as non-synthetic medicinal ingredients.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)GRN 140, for crystalline lutein from Kemin Foods, closed in June 2004 with FDA having no questions, noting that some uses may require a color additive listing.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.295 lists tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract as color additives that may be used in chicken feed.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer
Carotenoid producer that grows its own tomato varieties for lycopene and also supplies lutein from marigold, astaxanthin from algae and beta-carotene from fungal fermentation, as nutrients and food colors.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include crystalline free lutein, oil suspension, beadlets and dispersible powders and lutein esters. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect lutein and zeaxanthin (HPLC), total carotenoids (UV-Vis), residual solvents, heavy metals, microbiology and peroxide value and physical tests, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Lutein oxidizes and loses color with oxygen, light and heat, so keep it in sealed, nitrogen-flushed, light-proof containers and follow the supplier's temperature instructions, which may call for refrigeration. Reseal opened containers under inert gas if possible. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and confirmed by HPLC retest.
Health Canada's marigold extract and isolates (lutein and zeaxanthin) monograph lists lutein and lutein esters from Tagetes erecta herb flowering oleoresin as non-synthetic medicinal ingredients. GRN 140, for crystalline lutein from Kemin Foods, closed in June 2004 with FDA having no questions, noting that some uses may require a color additive listing. 21 CFR 73.295 lists tagetes (Aztec marigold) meal and extract as color additives that may be used in chicken feed.
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