Lutein and its analysis

Introduction

Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid, belonging to the same family as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. It is a pigment that imparts a yellow or orange color to many fruits and vegetables

Lutein foods

Lutein is found in a variety of foods, primarily in fruits and vegetables. Here are some food sources rich in lutein:

Food Group	Examples of Foods Rich in Lutein
Leafy Green Vegetables	Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Turnip Greens, Romaine Lettuce
Cruciferous Vegetables	Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts
Other Vegetables	Peas, Green Beans, Zucchini, Corn
Fruits	Kiwi, Grapes, Avocado
Eggs	Egg Yolks
Herbs	Parsley, Basil, Marjoram
Oils	Marigold Oil (in some cases)
Fortified Foods	Certain health and wellness products may be fortified with lutein.

Why is it Important to Test and Analyse Lutein in Foods?

Health Aspect	Importance
Eye Health	Lutein is a major component of the macula, helping protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye conditions. Analyzing lutein levels in foods assesses their potential contribution to eye health.
Antioxidant Properties	Lutein acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that cause oxidative stress and cell damage. Testing lutein levels in foods is crucial for understanding their potential antioxidant content.
Cancer Prevention	Studies suggest lutein may have a protective effect against certain cancers (e.g., breast, lung). Analyzing lutein content in foods contributes to cancer prevention research and health-promoting diet development.
Cardiovascular Health	Lutein is associated with cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Testing for lutein in foods helps identify sources that contribute to heart health.
Quality Control in Food Processing	Analyzing lutein levels ensures the quality and consistency of food products in industries involved in food processing. It aids in meeting regulatory standards and making accurate nutritional content claims.
Dietary Intake Assessment	Monitoring lutein levels in foods is essential for assessing dietary intake. This information is valuable for nutritionists, health professionals, and policymakers to understand population nutritional habits and guide public health recommendations.
Labeling and Marketing	Food products rich in lutein can be marketed for their potential health benefits. Accurate testing and analysis provide the basis for labeling products as good sources of lutein, aiding consumers in making informed choices.

Market overview

The estimated size of the Lutein Market in 2024 is USD 364.71 million, with a projected growth to reach USD 494.78 million by 2029. The market is anticipated to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.29% over the forecast period spanning from 2024 to 2029.

Regulations and Standards of Lutein in Foods: FSSAI, EU, and USFDA

Food Codex: The Codex Alimentarius, established by the FAO and WHO, sets food safety and quality standards globally. While it doesn't have a dedicated standard for lutein, it provides general guidelines for carotenoids (including lutein) in various food categories. These guidelines focus on ensuring food safety and quality rather than specific nutrient content.
National Food Safety Standards: Some countries have individual food safety standards that may indirectly impact lutein content. For instance, China's "National Food Safety Standard of Food Additive Lutein" regulates the quality and safety of lutein used as a food additive, not its presence in natural foods.
Dietary Recommendations: Several health organizations publish dietary recommendations, including suggestions for lutein intake. While not strictly standards, they offer valuable guidance:

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): Recommends 6 mg/day of combined lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health.

Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2): Found 10 mg/day lutein and 2 mg/day zeaxanthin effective in reducing AMD progression.

Food Composition Databases: These databases, like the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR), provide information on lutein content in various foods. They don't set standards but offer valuable data for dietary planning and research.
Industry Standards: Some food manufacturers or industry groups may set their own internal standards for lutein content in specific products. These standards are not publicly available but can influence product development and marketing

Mandatory and optional analyses for lutein in foods

Mandatory Analyses:

Quantification: The most important analysis for lutein in foods is its quantification. This is typically done using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other chromatographic techniques. These methods can separate and measure lutein from other carotenoids and other food components.

Identity confirmation: In some cases, it may be necessary to confirm the identity of the lutein peak in the chromatogram. This can be done using mass spectrometry or other spectroscopic techniques.

Optional Analyses:

Isomer identification: Lutein exists in several different isomers, which have slightly different biological activities. In some cases, it may be important to identify the specific isomers present in a food sample.

Bioavailability: The amount of lutein that is absorbed from a food depends on a number of factors, including the food matrix and the presence of other nutrients. Bioavailability studies can be used to measure the amount of lutein that is actually absorbed from a food.

Stability: Lutein is sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen. Stability studies can be used to determine how much lutein is lost during processing, storage, and cooking.

Eurofins role in testing lutein in foods

Eurofins, a leading global provider of food testing services, plays a significant role in analyzing and ensuring the accuracy of lutein levels in various food products. Here's how they contribute:

Analytical Expertise:

Comprehensive testing: Eurofins offers a wide range of analytical techniques, including HPLC, mass spectrometry, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, to accurately quantify lutein content in diverse food matrices.
Method development: Their team of experts has the experience and expertise to develop and validate new analytical methods tailored to specific food types and challenges.
Compliance support: They ensure their methods align with international regulations and standards, like Codex Alimentarius and EU directives, providing reliable data for labeling and safety purposes.

Testing Services:

Quantification: Eurofins offers standard services for quantifying total lutein content in various food products, including fruits, vegetables, eggs, and dietary supplements.
Isomer identification: They can further analyze specific lutein isomers, like lutein and zeaxanthin, relevant for specific health claims or research purposes.
Stability testing: Eurofins can assess lutein stability under different processing, storage, and cooking conditions, helping producers optimize practices to retain this nutrient.
Nutritional labeling support: Their data contributes to accurate labeling of lutein content, adhering to regulatory requirements and consumer information needs.

Additional Advantages:

Global network: Eurofins has a vast network of laboratories worldwide, offering readily accessible testing services and expertise across different regions.
Quality assurance: They implement stringent quality control procedures and participate in proficiency testing programs to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their results.
Technical support: Their teams offer technical support and guidance to clients throughout the testing process, addressing specific needs and inquiries.

Overall, Eurofins plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of lutein analysis in various food products, supporting industry compliance, product development, and consumer information.

References

Abdel-Aal, S. M., Akhtar, H., Zaheer, K., & Ali, R. (2013). Dietary Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Carotenoids and Their Role in Eye Health. Nutrients, 5(4), 1169-1185. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041169
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/lutein-market
Eisenhauer, B., Natoli, S., Liew, G., & Flood, V. M. (2017). Lutein and Zeaxanthin—Food Sources, Bioavailability and Dietary Variety in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Protection. Nutrients, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9020120