Study Probes Lutein Bioavailability

KAISERAUGST, GermanyResearchers have found starch-matrix lutein may offer increased bioavailability compared to alginate-matrix lutein. The results from their randomized, double-blind, cross-over study were published online in the European Journal of Nutrition.

Led by Mal Evans, Ph.D.,  scientific director of KGK Synergize, the research team randomized 48 healthy volunteers to receive one of two lutein beadlet formulas: 20 mg of lutein as either a starch-matrix (FloraGLO® Lutein 5 percent, from DSM and Kemin Health) or as a cross-linked alginate-matrix beadlet. Researchers measured plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin many times throughout the study: at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 14, 24, 26, 28, 32, 36, 48, 72, 168, and 672 hours from baseline. After a 28-day washout period, subjects repeated the protocol using the product they did not take in the first stage.

Results showed both formulas were well-tolerated, but the area under the curve for total plasma lutein was 1.3-fold higher for the FloraGLO compared to alginate lutein.  Researchers concluded the bioavailability of lutein-zeaxanthin ingredients is dependent on the formulation, with starch matrix showing better availability than alginate matrix forms.