Lutein

Lutein is a yellow carotenoid pigment that is widespread in nature. The term lutein is used synonymously with xanthophyll. The pigment is a companion of chlorophyll and is found in green plants, flowers, fruits, bacteria, egg yolks, cereal grains and as a dipalmitate in the retina of the eye.

food colouring (E 161 b), feed additive

The term "xanthophylls" is used to describe (besides carotenes) a second group of carotenoids. Xanthophylls have a great chemical similarity to carotenes, but in contrast to them they contain oxygen-containing groups. Xanthophylls are differently coloured natural substances (in animals as well as in plants).

1. Manayi A et al(2015) Lutein and cataract: from bench to bedside. Crit Rev Biotechnol 36:829-839.
2. Nataraj J et al (2016) Lutein protects dopaminergic neurons against MPTP-induced apoptotic death and motor dysfunction by amliorating mitochondrial disruption and oxidative stress. Nutr Neurosci 19:237-246.
3. Roldán-Fidalgo A et al (2016) In vitro and in vivo effects of lutein against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Exp Toxicol Pathol 68:197-204.
4. Tominari T et al (2017) Lutein, a carotenoid, suppresses osteoclastic bone resorption and stimulates bone formation in cultures. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 81:302-306.
5. Yoshizako H et al (2016) Comparison of macular pigment and serum lutein concentration changes between free lutein and lutein esters supplements in Japanese subjects. Acta Ophthalmol 94:e411-e416.