Our portfolio of Xangold® natural1 lutein esters and free lutein products:
Human Nutrition
Lutein
A nutritional ingredient for eyes and healthy vision
Lutein is a carotenoid naturally contained in the human diet, particularly in fruits and vegetables such as apricots, avocados and spinach.
Fruits and vegetables contain lutein in its free and in its esterified form depending on the type of fruit and their ripeness.
As a health ingredient, lutein is available in both forms, as free lutein and lutein esters. Their bioavailability and functionality are considered equal.
Lutein is known to be an antioxidant and for its function as a macular pigment in the eyes supporting healthy vision. Macular pigments are recognized to act as shield against light and light-induced oxidative stress. Scientists have identified a connection between macular pigment, vision and eye health.
BASF offers Xangold® natural1 lutein esters as well as free lutein from marigold flowers (tagetes erecta).
Sources: Kumar P et al, 2024; Hu W et al, 2024: Mrowicka M et al, 2022; Abdel-Al El-SM et al, 2013; Johnson EJ et al, 2014; Breithaupt DE et al, 2001; Sommerburg O et al, 1998.
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The global lutein market is expected to grow.
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Lutein is used as health ingredient in the nutraceutical industry, as well as in the food and beverage industry.2
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Lutein is widely known among consumers. Demand is increasing due to a growing aging population and rising awareness about eye health.
Sources: Lutein Market | Industry Size, Share, Growth, Segments and Forecast to 2028 | MarketsandMarkets; Lutein Market - Size, Manufacturers, Share & Industry Analysis (mordorintelligence.com)
What makes Xangold® natural1 lutein esters and free lutein an excellent choice for your products and applications?
- Reliability +
- Reliable sourcing of lutein from marigold flowers from Peru and other parts of the world.
- Long-term partnerships with highly qualified manufacturers, carefully selected by BASF.
- Monitoring from crop to finished marigold flower extract.
- Quality +
- Highly protective microencapsulation beadlet technology.
- Strict quality and production controls from start to end to ensure strict control of contaminants and to provide consistently high product quality.
- Performance +
- For use in dietary supplements and functional nutrition.
- High stability in tablet applications.
- Versatile application: direct-compressible powder (free lutein) and cold-water dispersible powder (lutein esters).
- Sustainability +
- RSPO certification (Lutein 5% DC).
- Selected Xangold® grades from certified organic marigold flowers.
BASF provides Xangold® natural lutein esters and free lutein for a broad range of applications
Xangold® natural1 lutein esters:
- Opportunity for customers seeking natural1 and organically grown ingredients
- Sourced mainly in South America
- Available as powder and dispersions
- Two independent studies show that Xangold® lutein esters and free lutein have equal bioavailability3
1 Term as defined in “NATCOL Position paper on the Term ‘Natural Colour’ and the Categorisation of Food Colours (2025 ).” Please note the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize the term “natural color. Under FDA law, all added colors are considered ”artificial colors“ independent of their origin.
2 The application may differ depending on country/region regulations.
3 Olmedilla-Alonso B et al, 2024; Yoshizako H et al, 2016
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