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Esterification does not impair lutein bioavailability in humans
Phyllis E Bowen1, Suzanne M Herbst-Espinosa, Erum A Hussain
1Department of Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.
The Journal of Nutrition
|December 7, 2002
Summary
Lutein diester supplements are 61.6% more bioavailable than unesterified lutein. Formulation dissolution is key for lutein bioavailability in supplements, impacting age-related macular degeneration risk.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) risk is linked to macular lutein and zeaxanthin levels.
- Epidemiological studies show inconsistent relationships between lutein intake and ARMD risk.
- Understanding lutein pharmacokinetics is crucial for designing effective clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine lutein bioavailability for lutein diester and unesterified lutein formulations.
- To assess the impact of formulation type on lutein absorption in healthy subjects.
- To identify factors limiting lutein bioavailability in dietary supplements.
Main Methods:
- Healthy subjects (n=18) received single doses of lutein diester or unesterified lutein formulations.
- Serum concentrations of free lutein + zeaxanthin were measured over 408 hours.
- Bioavailability was assessed by calculating the area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC).
Main Results:
- Lutein diester formulation showed 61.6% greater bioavailability than unesterified lutein.
- AUC, peak serum concentration, and ascending slope were significantly higher for lutein diester.
- Formulation dissolution, not ester hydrolysis, appeared to be a greater limitation to bioavailability.
Conclusions:
- The lutein diester formulation is well-absorbed and does not impede lutein bioavailability.
- Formulation dissolution is a critical factor influencing lutein bioavailability.
- Evaluating dissolution is essential when selecting lutein supplements and doses for clinical trials.