National Announcement

On May 26, 2008, the Ministry of Health issued the Announcement on the Approval of 7 New Resource Foods, including Lactobacillus Acidophilus (MOH Announcement No. 12 of 2008), which formally approved lutein ester as a new resource food and made the following requirements on its composition, source, process, scope of use, serving size and quality specifications:

Characterization of the in vivo conversion of lutein esters

During digestion, the body efficiently hydrolyzes lutein esters and releases free lutein, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream.

Studies have shown that ingestion of lutein esters increases lutein levels in the blood and retinal macula. The absorption of carotenoids, including lutein, into the body is a multi-step process. This process is the same as for other fat-soluble components within the diet.

Therefore, lutein can be ingested with fat. The conversion of lutein esters to lutein is a natural physiological process within the body. Scientific Support and Clinical Evidence Lutein ester has been recognized by the scientific team as one of the safe sources of lutein.

Functions of Lutein Esters

Lutein ester coloring effects

Natural lutein ester is an important carotenoid fatty acid ester, the main configuration is all-trans, with C = C long chain of the coloring group, showing brilliant golden yellow, there is no active hydroxyl group on both sides, so it also determines that the lutein ester is a kind of get very stable food coloring agent.

It is very stable to light, heat and air, and can be widely used in food, beverage, cosmetics and other applications, with broad application prospects. At the same time, it can be made into water-soluble colorant after emulsification. Natural lutein ester will replace chemically synthesized food grade colorants and improve people’s health.

Preventing ADM use

An important biological function of lutein is to protect the retina from UV damage. Currently, Age-related Macular Degeneration (ADM) is found globally as the leading blinding eye disease in people over 65 years old.

After being ingested into the human body, natural lutein and zeaxanthin esters are hydrolyzed into the free form of lutein and zeaxanthin by the action of human lipase. They are deposited in high concentration in the macula of the human fundus, which can act as an absorber of near-ultraviolet blue light, and travel a protective effect by capturing free radicals, preventing or reducing the damage brought by oxidation and free radicals to the retina, which can effectively reduce the incidence of ADM.

Enhancement of immunity

Recent studies have found that supplementation of lutein into the body promotes antigen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferative responses and can influence the functional expression of cell surface molecules at the animal level as a whole. Lutein’s modulating effect on cellular immunity is mainly manifested in its relationship with apoptosis and gene regulation.

Skin care and heart protection

As a strong antioxidant, luteolin ester can inhibit the activity of reactive oxygen radicals, and can prevent the destruction of normal skin cells by reactive oxygen radicals. Therefore, lutein esters can be made into a variety of skin care products and cosmetics, which are used to protect the health of the skin and prevent skin damage.

Some studies have indicated that people who regularly consume carotenoids have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. in 1994, Morrs et al. found that blood levels of total carotenoids were inversely related to the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Application of Lutein Esters in Food

Applications in General Foods

Lutein esters can be used in baked goods, dairy products, beverages, ready-to-eat cereals, frozen beverages, condiments, and confectionery, but not in foods for infants and young children. The dosage is ≤12mg/day.

Application in health food

According to the data of the State Food and Drug Administration, there are currently 265 domestic health food products with lutein ester as the main raw material, and the claimed health function is mainly to relieve visual fatigue.