Eggs provide good bioavailable source of lutein

AORN Journal,  Nov, 2004  

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New research shows that eggs are a highly bioavailable source of lutein, an important carotenoid for eye and skin health, according to an Aug 26, 2004, news release from The Jean Mayer US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston. A study compared the bioavailability of lutein from various sources to determine how it can affect dietary recommendations. Highly bioavailable forms of nutrients are those that the body can most easily absorb and use.

Researchers gave participants either a Lutein supplement, a Lutein ester supplement, spinach, or lutein-enriched eggs in random order. Each source of lutein provided the participants with approximately 6 mg of lutein per day. The researchers collected blood samples from fasting participants two weeks before the study to determine basal Levels of carotenoids and before and after each nine-day test phase to measure changes in lutein concentration.

Results indicated a significantly greater blood lutein response resulting from egg consumption than from the other lutein sources studied. Specifically, participants' lutein blood Levels were approximately three times greater after eating eggs.

Eggs provide Lutein in a lipid form, which is easier for the body to absorb. High bioavailability provides greater biological benefit at a Lower intake of lutein, making it easier to consume what is thought to be a healthy intake of Lutein. Studies indicate that lutein can help protect against diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts and reduce the risk for some forms of cancer and heart disease.

New Research Shows That Eggs May Provide Best BioavailabLe Source of Lutein (news release, Boston: The dean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Aug 26, 2004) http://www.prnewswire.com (accessed 2 Sept 2004).

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