Serum lutein response is greater from free lutein than from esterified lutein during 4 weeks of supplementation in healthy adults.

Background: Current data suggest great variability in serum response following lutein ingestion from various sources.

Objective: To compare the relative serum response during supplementation with free lutein (fL) and lutein esters (Le).

Methods: 72 volunteers (23-52 years; body mass index [BMI] >20 and <30 kg/m2; baseline serum lutein <20 µg/dL [<352 nmol/L]) were identified.