Eggs Prove High in Bioavailable Lutein

Eggs Prove High in Bioavailable Lutein

SAN ANTONIOEggs are a highlybioavailable source of lutein compared to more conventional sources, such asspinach and supplements, according to a study presented by Elizabeth J. Johnson,Ph.D., of Tufts University in Medford, Mass., at the annual American DieteticAssociation Conference in San Antonio. The study compared the bioavailability oflutein from eggs, spinach and supplements in regard to eye health and vision.

Ten healthy men consumed 6 mg/d of lutein in the form of eggs,spinach, lutein supplements or lutein ester supplements for nine days. XANGOLD natural lutein esters, manufactured byCognis Nutrition & Health (www.cognis.com), and an oil-based form of luteinfrom Vitamin Power were the supplements used, according toJohnson. Serum lutein concentration was measured before, during and afterconsumption. After the first day, the serum lutein response after eggconsumption was significantly greater than what was seen from the supplements,but not different than the spinach dose, according to the study. Serum luteinresponse was significantly greater in the egg phase than the spinach and luteinsupplement phases after nine days. At the end of the study, there were nodifferences seen among the spinach and two supplement doses.

Further analysis showed natural lutein esters and luteinsupplements were equally bioavailable. Cindy Schweitzer, Ph.D., senior scientistat Cognis, said the results prove the body converts and absorbs the lutein fromXANGOLD natural lutein esters. This is a natural process the body is equippedto handle for many dietary substances (in ester forms) such as triglycerides(fat) and alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E).

Makers of water-soluble FloraGLO purified lutein, Kemin Foods LLC said, We seenothing new that conclusively addresses long-standing issues of time, efficiencyrate and variables such as age, health status, gender and higher dietary fatintake requirements in conversion and absorption of lutein esters in the body.