Comparing E161H - Zeaxanthin vs E161B - Lutein

Overview

E161H - Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin (E161h) is a yellow‑orange carotenoid pigment found naturally in foods like corn, orange peppers, and egg yolks. It’s used as a colouring ingredient in some markets and is better known as a component of eye‑health supplements alongside lutein. Regulatory rules vary by country, so you’ll most often see zeaxanthin on dietary supplement labels rather than everyday foods.

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E161B - Lutein

Lutein (E161B) is a yellow to orange natural color from the carotenoid family, often extracted from marigold flowers. It gives foods warm golden shades and also occurs naturally in leafy greens and egg yolks.

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Synonyms
E161h
Zeaxanthin
E161b
Lutein
Xanthophyll
tagete extract
Functions
colour
colour
Origins
Plant
Microbiological
Synthetic
Plant
Products

Found in 18 products

Found in 241 products

Search rank & volume
#1518K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#8229.6K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×51.05
over-aware

×17.61
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

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Popular questions

  1. How much lutein and zeaxanthin should i take daily?

    There’s no official RDA, but clinical eye‑health studies commonly use 10 mg lutein plus 2 mg zeaxanthin per day (the AREDS2 ratio). Intakes in foods are much lower, and supplement needs depend on individual circumstances.

  2. What is lutein and zeaxanthin?

    They are yellow-orange xanthophyll carotenoids from plants; zeaxanthin is also used as a food color (E161h). In the body they concentrate in the macula and lens of the eye.

  3. How do you pronounce zeaxanthin?

    Zee-uh-ZAN-thin.

  4. How much lutein and zeaxanthin per day?

    No official RDA exists; research commonly uses 10 mg lutein with 2 mg zeaxanthin daily (AREDS2). Choose doses based on product directions or medical advice.

  5. What is the best brand of lutein and zeaxanthin?

    There’s no single “best” brand; look for reputable products that disclose amounts (often 10 mg/2 mg), use known sources like marigold (Tagetes erecta), and have third‑party testing (e.g., USP or NSF).

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  1. 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).

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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