Lutein esters are sometimes used in products in place of purified, crystalline lutein. Lutein esters are chemically different from lutein, and they require enzymatic digestion in the small intestine to allow any lutein to be taken up by the body.

Some research has suggested that a much higher fat intake must accompany intake of lutein esters, as opposed to purified lutein, in order for the body to effectively absorb lutein esters.*

Products containing lutein esters should identify them as such on the ingredient list or supplement facts panel.

A purified lutein molecule

A lutein ester molecule

* Roodenburg AJ, Leenen R, van het Hof KH, Weststrate JA and Tijburg LB. Amount of fat in the diet affects bioavailability of lutein esters but not of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E in humans [see comments]. Am J Clin Nutr 71: 1187-1193, 2000.