Description
A xanthophyll carotenoid extracted from marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta), used in eye-health supplements, infant formula, animal feed colorant, and natural food colorant applications. The dominant natural-source ingredient for macular-health positioning supplements globally.
Orange to dark orange free-flowing powder or oily liquid. Highly oxidation-sensitive; supplied with antioxidant stabilization in protected packaging.
We supply food-grade Lutein from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include Lutein 5 percent Powder (cold-water-soluble beadlets), Lutein 10 percent Powder (premium beadlets), Lutein 20 percent Oil Suspension (for liquid applications), Lutein Crystals 80 to 90 percent (the high-purity supplement grade), and Lutein Esters (the alternative ester form used in some applications).
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering lutein content (HPLC), zeaxanthin content, total carotenoids, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid that accumulates in the human macula at high concentrations alongside its stereoisomer zeaxanthin. The two compounds together filter high-energy blue light and protect photoreceptors from oxidative damage, the mechanistic basis for the eye-health supplement positioning.
Industrial production proceeds by solvent extraction of marigold flower petals, the highest natural source of lutein. The extracted oleoresin is then either supplied directly (for animal-feed and food-color applications) or further processed through saponification, crystallization, and beadlet formation for supplement use.
Regulated as E161b in the EU (food colorant approval), classified as Generally Recognized as Safe by the U.S. FDA, and approved by JECFA with an Acceptable Daily Intake of 2 mg per kg body weight for marigold-derived lutein.
Clinical evidence for lutein supplementation in age-related macular degeneration is among the strongest for any natural-product dietary supplement, supported by the AREDS2 randomized controlled trial showing benefit at 10 mg per day lutein plus 2 mg zeaxanthin in combination with vitamins and minerals.
Strategic positioning combines eye-health supplements (the highest unit value and growing fastest), animal feed colorant (the largest volume application), and food colorant uses in regulated markets.
Where it is used
- Eye-health dietary supplements: macular degeneration and vision-support formulations (the largest commercial application)
- Infant formula fortification (mandatory in some regulated markets)
- Animal feed colorant: egg yolk and poultry skin pigmentation
- Natural food colorant E161b: yellow to orange coloring in food and beverage applications
- Functional beverages and eye-health positioned drinks
- Cosmetic skincare: antioxidant and blue-light protection formulations
- Premium pet food: vision-health pet formulations
- Multivitamin formulations
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Orange to dark orange free-flowing powder or oily liquid |
| Lutein content (HPLC) | 5% / 10% / 20% / 80-90% (grade dependent) |
| Zeaxanthin content | typically 5% of lutein content |
| Total carotenoids | ≥ 92% of lutein content |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 5.0% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Residual solvent (hexane) | ≤ 50 mg/kg |
| Source | Marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta) |
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