E161b Lutein

E161b LUTEINA

Lutein is the most widespread xanthine in nature. Its structure is very similar to that of β-carotene, but with two hydroxyl groups at the ends.

Tagetes erecta flowers are the main source of lutein and are widely cultivated in Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Lutein, therefore, is a dye of natural origin, yellow-orange in color.

The xanthophylls present in greater concentrations in the human body and in the plasma, are lutein and zeaxanthin, which also represent the major constituents of the spotted pigment of the human retina, where they protect from ultraviolet rays.

Recent studies have shown that lutein can have positive effects on cholesterol present in the plasma, and can also limit the occurrence of some types of cancer.

Lutein can be used in the following products: cheeses, confectionery products, mustard, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, aromatized wines, jams and fruit preserves, decorations and coatings, fish pastes, crustaceans, salmon substitutes, fish eggs, fish smoked and surrogates of meat and fish based on vegetable proteins.

It can also be used as a dye in cosmetics, due to its great resistance to light and oxidation. It should be noted that the biological activity of lutein can also be exploited in supplements and food supplements, especially in association with carotene and tocopherol, not as a simple dye, but as a pharmacologically active principle.

Currently, lutein does not appear to be a harmful color for human health.

ADI DOSE: /

E100	E101	E101a	E102	E104	E110	E120	E122
E123	E124	E127	E128	E129	E131	E132	E133
E140	E141	E142	E150a	E150b	E150c	E150d	E151
E153	E154	E155	E160a	E160b	E160c	E160d	E160e
E160f	E161	E161a	E161b	E161c	E161d	E161e	E161f
E161g	E162	E163	E170	E171	E172	E173	E174
E175	E180