Lutein esters are naturally occurring carotenoid derivatives formed by esterification of lutein with fatty acids, commonly palmitic and myristic acids.
Lutein esters are widely used in nutraceutical, food, pharmaceutical, and feed applications due to their improved stability compared to free lutein.
Lutein esters are primarily valued for their role in eye health, antioxidant activity, and support of visual function.
CAS Number: Not assigned (mixture)
EC Number: Not assigned
Molecular Formula: Variable (lutein esterified with fatty acids)
Molecular Weight: ~1044–1130 g/mol (depending on ester composition)
Synonyms: Lutein Fatty Acid Esters, Esterified Lutein, Lutein Diesters, Xanthophyll Esters, Lutein Palmitate (mixture), Lutein Myristate (mixture), Lutein Esters, Lutein Ester, Lutein Fatty Acid Esters, Lutein Diesters, Esterified Lutein, Lutein Ester Concentrate, Lutein Ester Extract, Lutein Ester Oleoresin, Lutein Ester Oil Suspension, Lutein Ester Powder, Lutein Ester Beadlets, Lutein Ester Microencapsulated, Lutein Ester Crystalline, Lutein Ester High Purity, Pure Lutein Esters, Natural Lutein Esters, Plant-Derived Lutein Esters, Marigold Lutein Esters, Tagetes erecta Lutein Esters, Lutein Ester from Marigold Flower, Xanthophyll Ester Lutein, Carotenoid Lutein Esters, Oxygenated Carotenoid Esters, Lutein Ester Nutritional Ingredient, Lutein Ester Dietary Supplement Ingredient, Lutein Ester Nutraceutical Ingredient, Lutein Ester Functional Ingredient, Lutein Ester Food Ingredient, Lutein Ester Food Additive, Lutein Ester Colorant, Lutein Ester Natural Colorant, Lutein Ester Yellow Pigment, Lutein Ester E161b (esterified form reference), Lutein Ester Vision Support Ingredient, Lutein Ester Eye Health Ingredient, Lutein Ester Macular Health Ingredient, Lutein Ester Antioxidant Carotenoid, Lutein Ester Lipid-Soluble Carotenoid, Lutein Ester Oil-Soluble Pigment, Lutein Ester Cosmetic Ingredient, Lutein Ester Skin Care Antioxidant, Lutein Ester Feed Additive, Lutein Ester Animal Nutrition Additive, Lutein Ester Poultry Feed Pigment, Lutein Ester Aquaculture Pigment, Lutein Ester Pharmaceutical Raw Material, Lutein Ester Capsule Ingredient, Lutein Ester Softgel Ingredient, Lutein Ester Tablet Ingredient, Lutein Ester Health Supplement Raw Material, Lutein Ester Industrial Nutraceutical, Lutein Ester Fine Chemical, Lutein Ester Specialty Chemical, Lutein Ester Functional Carotenoid
APPLICATIONS
Lutein esters are used in dietary supplements.
Lutein esters support eye health and macular pigment density.
Lutein esters are formulated in capsules, tablets, and softgels.
Lutein esters are applied in functional foods.
Lutein esters fortify beverages, dairy products, and nutritional bars.
Lutein esters enhance antioxidant content of food formulations.
Lutein esters are used in pharmaceutical preparations.
Lutein esters support formulations targeting age-related eye conditions.
Lutein esters improve stability of carotenoid-based products.
Lutein esters are incorporated into animal feed.
Lutein esters enhance pigmentation in poultry and aquaculture.
Lutein esters improve yolk color and skin coloration.
Lutein esters are used in cosmetic formulations.
Lutein esters provide antioxidant protection to skin.
Lutein esters support anti-aging and protective skincare products.
Lutein esters are applied in research and development.
Lutein esters are used to study carotenoid bioavailability.
Lutein esters support controlled-release lipid systems.
Lutein Esters are used in dietary supplements for eye health support.
Lutein Esters contribute to protection of the retina against oxidative stress.
Lutein Esters support maintenance of macular pigment density.
Lutein Esters are used in nutraceutical formulations.
Lutein Esters provide a stable and bioavailable source of lutein.
Lutein Esters enhance antioxidant intake in daily nutrition products.
Lutein Esters are used in functional food products.
Lutein Esters improve nutritional value of fortified foods.
Lutein Esters support visual performance through diet supplementation.
Lutein Esters are used in softgel capsule formulations.
Lutein Esters improve encapsulation efficiency of fat-soluble carotenoids.
Lutein Esters enhance stability of active ingredients during storage.
Lutein Esters are used in powdered nutritional blends.
Lutein Esters improve dispersion of carotenoids in dry formulations.
Lutein Esters support uniform dosing in powdered supplements.
Lutein Esters are used in beverage fortification systems.
Lutein Esters improve delivery of carotenoids in functional drinks.
Lutein Esters enhance antioxidant content in health beverages.
Lutein Esters are used in infant nutrition products.
Lutein Esters support visual development in early life formulations.
Lutein Esters contribute to antioxidant protection in infant diets.
Lutein Esters are used in elderly nutrition products.
Lutein Esters support age-related eye health maintenance.
Lutein Esters enhance antioxidant intake for aging populations.
Lutein Esters are used in animal feed supplements.
Lutein Esters improve pigmentation in poultry products.
Lutein Esters enhance nutritional value of animal diets.
Lutein Esters are used in aquaculture feed.
Lutein Esters improve coloration of fish and crustaceans.
Lutein Esters support antioxidant protection in aquatic species.
Lutein Esters are used in cosmetic formulations.
Lutein Esters provide antioxidant benefits in skin care products.
Lutein Esters support protection against environmental stressors on skin.
Lutein Esters are used in anti-aging cosmetic products.
Lutein Esters help reduce oxidative damage to skin cells.
Lutein Esters improve overall skin appearance and vitality.
Lutein Esters are used in ophthalmic nutritional research.
Lutein Esters support studies on visual function and eye health.
Lutein Esters contribute to development of vision-supporting products.
Lutein Esters are commonly used in food, supplement, and feed applications.
Lutein Esters show good compatibility with oils and lipid-based systems.
Lutein Esters enhance shelf life of carotenoid-containing products.
Lutein Esters exhibit strong antioxidant properties.
Lutein Esters help filter high-energy blue light in the eye.
Lutein Esters support protection of ocular tissues from oxidative damage.
DESCRIPTION
Lutein esters are typically obtained from marigold flower extracts.
Lutein esters appear as orange to reddish oily solids or viscous pastes.
Lutein esters have a characteristic carotenoid odor.
Lutein esters are lipophilic and insoluble in water.
Lutein esters dissolve readily in oils and nonpolar organic solvents.
Lutein esters are hydrolyzed in the human body to free lutein.
Lutein esters show higher oxidative and thermal stability than free lutein.
Lutein esters resist degradation from light and oxygen.
Lutein esters are preferred for long shelf-life formulations.
Lutein esters are sensitive to strong acids and oxidizing agents.
Lutein esters should be protected from excessive heat and light.
Lutein esters maintain potency under recommended storage conditions.
Lutein Esters are fatty acid esters of the carotenoid lutein.
Lutein Esters are naturally derived from marigold flower extracts.
Lutein Esters appear as orange to reddish oily liquids or semi-solids.
Lutein Esters are lipophilic and insoluble in water.
Lutein Esters show improved stability compared to free lutein.
Lutein Esters are hydrolyzed in the body to release free lutein.
Lutein Esters should be stored in cool, dark conditions.
Lutein Esters should be protected from light, heat, and oxygen.
Lutein Esters are valued for their stability, bioavailability, and health-supporting properties.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Nature: Carotenoid fatty acid esters
Appearance: Orange to dark red oily solid or viscous paste
Odor: Mild characteristic carotenoid odor
Density: ~0.95–1.05 g/cm³ at 25°C
Melting Point: ~50–70°C (composition dependent)
Boiling Point: Not applicable; decomposes before boiling
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Solubility in Oils: Highly soluble in vegetable oils and lipids
Solubility in Organic Solvents: Soluble in hexane, chloroform, and esters
UV-Vis Absorption Maxima: ~445–475 nm
Stability: More stable than free lutein against oxidation and light
Bioavailability: Converted enzymatically to free lutein after ingestion
Oxidative Stability: High; antioxidants further enhance stability
pH Stability: Stable in neutral and mildly acidic lipid systems
Storage Temperature: Store below 25°C under inert atmosphere if possible
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Not expected to be hazardous under normal handling.
Move to fresh air if aerosol exposure occurs.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water.
Generally non-irritating.
Eye Contact:
Rinse with water if contact occurs.
Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth and drink water.
Non-toxic at normal exposure levels.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid prolonged exposure to light and air.
Use gloves and protective equipment during industrial handling.
Ensure good hygiene practices.
Avoidance:
Avoid strong oxidizing agents.
Avoid excessive heat during processing.
Spill Procedures:
Absorb with inert material and clean thoroughly.
Dispose according to local regulations.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed, light-resistant containers.
Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Protect from oxygen, heat, and direct sunlight to preserve potency.