Free lutein is absorbed at a higher rate than lutein esters

A recent study revealed that the human body absorbs free FloraGLO lutein at a higher rate than it does lutein esters made my other manufacturers. This means that the free lutein is more available in the blood resulting in better utilization by the body. The macular pigment area of the retina is the area of the retina which accumulates lutein. Higher levels of this macular pigment is associated with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration. Nutritional supplements on the market currently contain lutein in its free form or in an esterfied form. Researchers evaluated 72 volunteers who took supplements for 7 days. After the 7 days, plasma lutein levels were documented and it was found that participants who had received the free lutein had significantly higher plasma lutein levels than those who had received the lutein esters. These high levels were maintained throughout the four weeks of supplementation.  VisiVite i-Defense formulas contain FloraGLO Lutein which is the free lutein evaluated in this study.* Elise Ervin Staff Writer