Starch better than alginate for lutein and zeaxanthin bioavailability: Industry study

The randomised, double-blind, cross-over study published in the European Journal of Nutrition​, found lutein availability was 1.8-fold and 1.3-fold higher, respectively, for starch formulations than for alginate.

“Although case-control studies suggest a combined dose of 6mg of lutein and zeaxanthin per day for reducing the risk of AMD, the average North American ingests only 1–2 mg of lutein daily from their diet,”​ said the researchers from DSM, Kemin and KGK Synergise, which are all involved in carotenoids.

“This may lead to a deficit of these important carotenoids. With the dramatic increase in age-related eye diseases, it becomes very important to more thoroughly understand the issues associated with the bioavailability of lutein and zeaxanthin supplement formulations and their potential impact upon target populations.”​

Method​

The study featured 48 healthy subjects who were given a single dose of 20mg of lutein from either of the two formulations and lutein was measured in the plasma at several time intervals.

After a wash out period of 28 days the study was repeated with the alternative formulation, with starch performing more potently.

The control plasma samples were analysed at least 4 times/day during the study as described in. In addition, the method was regularly checked for accuracy and precision (±15 %) by participation in inter-laboratory studies organised by the National Institute of Standard and Technologies (NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland, US).