Comparing E160AII - Plant carotenes vs E161B - Lutein

How much lutein per day?

There’s no established daily requirement; supplements commonly provide around 10 mg/day, and EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake of 1 mg/kg body weight/day for lutein (from Tagetes erecta) used as a food color (E161b).

What is lutein good for?

As a food additive it provides yellow–orange color; in the body, lutein (with zeaxanthin) concentrates in the retina, helping support macular pigment and normal visual function.

How much lutein and zeaxanthin should i take daily?

There’s no official RDA; a commonly studied regimen is 10 mg lutein plus 2 mg zeaxanthin per day (e.g., in AREDS2 formulations), though needs can vary—ask your clinician for personalized advice.

What does lutein do?

In foods it acts as a yellow–orange colorant (E161b); biologically it’s an antioxidant carotenoid that helps filter blue light in the eye.

What foods have lutein?

Leafy greens (kale, spinach), broccoli, peas, corn, and egg yolks are rich sources; smaller amounts occur in pistachios, zucchini, and kiwifruit.