Comparison of lutein bioavailability from vegetables and supplement.

Lutein is a carotenoid present in dark green leafy vegetables and it may be involved in the prevention of several diseases related to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate bioavailability of lutein from different food sources (150 g spinach and 200 g broccoli) and a supplement in oil (300 mg VEGEX), all providing about 9 mg lutein. Eight healthy females were instructed to eat a low-carotenoid diet for the period of experimentation. On three different occasions, three weeks apart, volunteers ate the lutein sources together with 10 g olive oil and 40 g bread. Blood samples were collected just before eating, every two hours for 12 hours, and at 24, 32, 56, 80 and 104 hours. Lutein concentration increased significantly after six to eight hours and peaked after 10-12 hours, with the highest concentration reached after VEGEX intake. Lutein concentration remained significantly elevated for up to 80 hours (VEGEX and spinach). On the whole, our results suggest that the intake of one single dose of lutein from different sources is able to bring about a significant plasma response in the short term.