Zeaxanthin Test Method Published

KAISERAUGST, SwitzerlandMembers of the Zeaxanthin Trade Association adopted and published a common chiral analytical method to measure the relative percentages of the different zeaxanthin stereoisomers (3R,3R; 3R,3S; and 3S,3S) in dietary ingredients and finished products. The method is designed to ensure no zeaxanthin isomers other than the 3R,3R are present in zeaxanthin used as a nutritional ingredient, which is in compliance with FDA and EU regulations. The 3R,3R isomer of zeaxanthin is the only one present in food and is the only one approved for use in dietary supplements. It is a critical nutrient for eye health, which may help guard against vision problems improve several aspects of visual function.

The method is an important step in the associations efforts to help all zeaxanthin users comply with the regulatory framework in the manufacturing of dietary supplements containing zeaxanthin," said Kevin Meyle, director of product management - Nutritional Ingredients, Kalsec.

The method was developed by chemists at DSM Nutritional Products, Kalsec Inc. and Chrysantis Inc. in a six-month interlab study. The association has been working with suppliers of high purity reagents to assure the analytical standards necessary for the proper identification of the different isomers are available to the industry.

Easy access to the standards has been one of the problems the association had to solve before the method could actually be published," said Kristina Cselovszky, global business manager, DSM Nutritional Products.

The method will be available at the Zeaxanthin Trade Association members websites. This is just one example of positive self regulation of the dietary supplement industry," says Manuel Pavon, general manager, Chrysantis.