Lutein

Plant: dark leafy vegetables (e.g. kale (Brassica oleracea var. Sabellica), spinach (Spinacia oleracea)), Tagetes petals (used for industrial production of lutein).

• As E 161b it is approved in the EU as a food colorant
• Lutein plays an important role in humans –> vision.
• Both artificial and natural blue light are thought to cause oxidative stress and potentially lead to damage to human organs exposed to light, such as the eyes and skin, through the formation of free radicals.
• Feed additive, used for poultry to yellow egg yolks.
• Used as an active ingredient in drugs to treat macular degeneration (AMD) –> Mode of action still unclear
• Used in cosmetics for the following indications: Eyes, women’s health, skin, cardiovascular.