New lutein supplement from Sabinsa

Sabinsa Corporation of the US has introduced a new stabilised lutein composition called ZeaLutein. The product is a mixture of natural xanthophyll carotenoid pigments and Bioperine, the company's patented nutrient bioavailability enhancer.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are compounds found in marigold flowers which play a vital role in eye health. However, providing them in a stable composition for dietary supplementation is challenging, the company said. Lutein and zeaxanthin are protected and stabilised by Sabinsa's proprietary method and blend of compounds called Xenogard.

According to the company, ZeaLutein has been studied by researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey in three separate applications - anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and antioxidant.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ZeaLutein were statistically significant, the studies showed, while the anti-tumour research showed "a dramatic decrease not only in the number of tumours, but also in their size"​ . Lastly, a preparation comprised of 0.02% ZeaLutein was shown to prevent rancidity (oxidation) by nearly one hour longer over the control sample giving it a strong antioxidant index of 1.34.

ZeaLutein is currently available in two forms; a regular powder grade that can be used in capsules or tablets and an 80 mesh fine powder grade that can be used for softgel capsule application. The recommended dose is 100-125 milligrams of ZeaLutein per day, which corresponds to 6-8 milligrams of active xanthophylls.