2023 Latest: 13 Recommended Lutein Brands, Expert Selection Based on 4 Key Criteria!

In Taiwan’s health food market, lutein has risen to the second place among all health supplements (25.3%), indicating a growing discussion and demand for eye health products among the population. Due to the importance of lutein in eye health and the fact that the human body cannot synthesize lutein on its own, it is essential to maintain adequate lutein levels for preserving good eyesight through daily dietary intake to prevent lutein deficiency.

The Eye-Protecting Benefits of Lutein

Numerous studies have shown that the human retina contains more than 1,000 times the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids like lutein, compared to other tissues,[3] highlighting the vital role of lutein and zeaxanthin in maintaining eye health. Lutein can eliminate reactive oxygen species through its antioxidant properties, protecting the macula from blue light damage, delaying macular degeneration, reducing the risk of cataracts, and improving visual discomfort and light sensitivity after exposure to bright light.[4]

Four Key Selection Criteria for Lutein!

Lutein Form – Free Lutein Offers the Best Absorption

1.Lutein comes in two primary forms:

free lutein and lutein ester. Free lutein is the predominant form naturally found in the environment. Most lutein supplements available on the market contain either free lutein or lutein ester. These two forms have some differences in their metabolic pathways.[5] The ester bond in lutein ester must be hydrolyzed by the lipase in small intestinal cells to produce free lutein, which can be absorbed by the intestinal epithelial cells. Clinical studies have shown that when subjects consumed different lutein forms, free lutein (12.2 mg) and lutein ester (27 mg), the concentration of lutein in the blood of the group that consumed the free lutein increased significantly by 5.2 times compared to the placebo group after 28 days. The study also found that the blood lutein level in the free lutein group was 17% higher than that in the lutein ester group. As a result, it is believed that free lutein has a higher bioavailability in the human body, which can help improve eye health.[5]

2.Choosing Lutein Brands by Examining the Ingredients – FloraGLO® with Extensive Clinical Evidence

The US-based Kemin Industries is the largest global supplier of lutein raw materials. Their patented FloraGLO® lutein, derived from marigold flowers, is the most well-known and easily absorbed form of free lutein. FloraGLO® lutein is commonly used in research studies and is the lutein source chosen for the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) led by the US National Eye Institute. Therefore, FloraGLO® lutein is the lutein raw material with the most supported data in the market and is the preferred choice of raw material supplier for lutein products in various countries.[9]

The price difference of lutein products can be substantial, with FloraGLO® raw materials costing up to 10 times more than chemically synthesized lutein. Therefore, when selecting a product, it is essential not only to compare prices but also to pay attention to whether the product uses FloraGLO® patented lutein to ensure the purchase of a product with guaranteed quality and effectiveness.

How to Choose Combination Ingredients?

In addition to lutein, many products include additional ingredients beneficial for the eyes. If you’re unsure how to select these, the simplest way is to choose a combination based on your specific needs and match the patented ingredients to your symptoms when choosing a lutein product.

Improving Dry Eye

Clinical research has found that supplementing with 30-60 mg of MaquiBright® Chilean wine grape extract per day can increase tear secretion[10]. Additionally, continuous supplementation with blackcurrant extract for four weeks can effectively improve dry eye conditions[11]. Omega-3 components like fish oil, flaxseed oil, and algal oil can also help alleviate dry eye[12].

Improving Cataracts

Both lutein and zeaxanthin have been found to have beneficial effects on cataracts[17]. Furthermore, antioxidant nutrients can slow down lens opacification, such as vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and lutein, all of which have shown promise in studies for delaying lens degeneration[18].

Improving Glaucoma and High Intraocular Pressure

In addition to following a doctor’s treatment, you can choose to supplement with astaxanthin and blackcurrant extract to slow the progression of glaucoma with normal intraocular pressure[19].

Improving Macular Degeneration

The largest and longest (5 years) study in the United States has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin (in a 10:2 ratio, known as the AREDS II Golden Ratio) can delay macular degeneration due to aging. This study used FloraGLO® lutein as the source of lutein[17].

Improving Night Vision

During World War II, British fighter pilots improved their night vision after consuming bilberry. Clinical trials on bilberry extract have also shown positive effects[16].

Relieving Eye Fatigue

You can select products containing astaxanthin or blackcurrant extract to supplement. Clinical studies have shown that supplementing with astaxanthin can improve microvascular blood flow, regulate ciliary muscle function, and relieve eye fatigue[13][14][15].

Safety Inspection Reports

Many companies now provide safety inspection reports, which include assessments for plasticizers, heavy metals, pesticide residues, and pharmaceutical testing. This is a significant benefit for consumers, indicating that the product is safe and reliable. When choosing lutein products, it is crucial to consider safety and quality standards. It is also essential to pay attention to the use of black soybean peel extract as a source of anthocyanins in products, which poses a higher risk of pesticide residues. Consumers should learn to read ingredient labels and check for pesticide and plasticizer residue inspection reports on the SGS Safety Inspection Platform to ensure long-term safety of use.

Who Should Take Lutein?

1. Elderly Individuals: As individuals age, the health of their eyes may be affected, and lutein intake can help maintain vision and overall eye health.
2. Users of Electronic Devices (3C Users): Prolonged use of electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones can put a strain on the eyes. Lutein can provide antioxidant protection and reduce visual fatigue caused by digital device blue light.
3. Individuals Requiring Good Vision for Their Professions: Occupations like drivers, pilots, artists, etc., may require maintaining excellent vision. Lutein intake can help maintain eye health.
4. Individuals with Eye Health Issues: Such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, etc.

When Is the Best Time to Take Lutein?

Lutein is a fat-soluble nutrient, and the best time to supplement is after a meal. Consuming lutein after a meal enhances its absorption because it can be better absorbed when taken with dietary fat.

[2023 Latest] Comparison of 13 Recommended Lutein Brands

Based on the four key criteria for selecting lutein: lutein form as free lutein, international certification of lutein raw materials, the addition of combination ingredients, and the presence of safety reports, these criteria can help you choose the most suitable lutein product.

Our team has selected 13 popular lutein brands discussed on PTT and Dcard, based on these criteria, to help you find the most suitable lutein product.

💡With Added FloraGLO®:

1.Daiken Biomdical  Lutein

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: Yes
• Lutein Form: Free Form
• Combination Ingredients: MaquiBright® Chilean Wine Grape Extract, Blackcurrant Extract, Astaxanthin, Flaxseed Oil (Omega 3), Vitamin E
• Dosage Form: Softgel Capsule

2.SunVita Free Lutein & Zeaxanthin

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: Yes
• Lutein Form: Free Form
• Combination Ingredients: Black Soybean, Grape Seed Anthocyanin, Astaxanthin, Yeast Zinc, Yeast Selenium, Vitamin A
• Dosage Form: Capsule

3.Youth Light New Lutein

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: Yes
• Lutein Form: Free Form
• Combination Ingredients: Black Soybean, Blackcurrant Extract, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Vitamin A, E, B-Complex, Fish Oil
• Dosage Form: Softgel Capsule

4.Beautybible Patent Marigold

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: No
• Lutein Form: Free Form + Esters (Not all use esters)
• Combination Ingredients: Black Soybean Extract, Blackcurrant, Blackcurrant Extract, Patent Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Astaxanthin, Berry Vitamin C
• Dosage Form: Powder Sachet

5.Brand’s  Lutein AX

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: Yes
• Lutein Form: Free Form
• Combination Ingredients: Vitamin A, Astaxanthin, Blackcurrant
• Dosage Form: Tablet

6.TDHB Lutein Functional Drink

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: Yes
• Lutein Form: Free Form
• Combination Ingredients: Blueberries, Goji Berries
• Dosage Form: Beverage

7.Centrun Lutein

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: No
• Lutein Form: Free Form
• Combination Ingredients: Vitamin E
• Dosage Form: Softgel Capsule

💡Without Added FloraGLO®:

1.HAC  Lutein Capsules

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: No
• Lutein Form: Free Form
• Combination Ingredients: Perilla Extract, Vitamin A, E, Sodium Hyaluronate, Fish Oil
• Dosage Form: Liquid Softgel Capsules

2.Heilusan Lutein

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: No
• Lutein Form: Free Form
• Combination Ingredients: Mulberry Extract, Vitamin A, C, E, Vitamin B2, Zinc
• Dosage Form: Softgel Capsule

3.Mdformula Formula

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: No
• Lutein Form: Esters Form
• Combination Ingredients: Black Soybean Extract, Mulberry Extract, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, E, Vitamin B1, B2, B6, DHA Algal Powder, Zinc
• Dosage Form: Hard Capsule

4.Super King PPLs

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: No
• Lutein Form: Not Specified
• Combination Ingredients: Black Soybean Extract, Vitamin A, C, E, Green Propolis Extract PPLs, DHA, Zinc
• Dosage Form: Hard Capsule

5.Nature Made Lutein

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: No
• Lutein Form: Free Form
• Combination Ingredients: Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, E, Zinc, Selenium Yeast, Copper, Fish Oil
• Dosage Form: Softgel Capsule

6.Sentosa Marigold Lutein Ext

• Lutein: Zeaxanthin Ratio 10:2: No
• Lutein Form: Esters Form
• Combination Ingredients: Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, Selenium, Fish Oil, Soy Lecithin
• Dosage Form: Softgel Capsule

Comparison Table of 13 Lutein Recommendations

💡Includes FloraGLO® Lutein in 7 Products

Rank	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Brand	Daiken Biomdical  Lutein	SunVita Free Lutein & Zeaxanthin	Youth Light New Lutein	Beautybible Patent Marigold	Brand’s  Lutein AX	TDHB Lutein Functional Drink	Centrun Lutein
Product Image
Lutein: Corn Lutein Ratio 10:2	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
Lutein Type	Free Form	Free Form	Free Form	Free Form + Esterified (Not all use)	Free Form	Free Form	Free Form
Complex Ingredients	Chilean Wineberry Extract Mulberry Extract Astaxanthin Flaxseed Oil (Omega 3) Vitamin E	Black Soybean, Grape Seed Anthocyanins Astaxanthin Zinc Yeast, Selenium Yeast Vitamin A	Black Soybean, Mulberry Extract Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper Vitamin A, E Vitamin B Complex DHA Algal Powder Zinc	Black Soybean Extract Vitamin A, C, E Green Bee Propolis Extract (PPLs) DHA Zinc	Beta-Carotene, C, E Zinc, Selenium Yeast, Copper Fish Oil	Vitamin A, C, E Zinc, Selenium Fish Oil Soy Lecithin
Dosage Form	Softgel Capsules	Capsules	Softgel Capsules	Powder Pack	Tablets	Beverage	Softgel Capsules

💡Excludes FloraGLO® Lutein in 6 Products

Rank	1	2	3	4	5	6
Brand	HAC  Lutein Capsules	Heilusan Lutein	Mdformula Formula	Super King PPLs	Nature Made Lutein	Sentosa Marigold Lutein Ext
Product Image
Lutein: Corn Lutein Ratio 10:2	No	No	No	No	No	No
Lutein Type	Free Form	Free Form	Esterified	Not Specified	Free Form	Esterified
Complex Ingredients	Perilla Extract Vitamin A, E Sodium Hyaluronate Fish Oil	Mulberry Extract Vitamin A, C, E Vitamin B2 Zinc	Black Soybean Extract, Mulberry Extract Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, E Vitamin B1, B2, B6 DHA Algal Powder Zinc	Black Soybean Extract Vitamin A, C, E Green Bee Propolis Extract (PPLs) DHA Zinc	Beta-Carotene, C, E Zinc, Selenium Yeast, Copper Fish Oil	Vitamin A, C, E Zinc, Selenium Fish Oil Soy Lecithin
Dosage Form	Liquid Hard Capsules	Softgel Capsules	Hard Capsules	Hard Capsules	Softgel Capsules	Softgel Capsules