The bioavailability of lutein from infant formula

Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid in breast milk that has recently been added to infant formula. Lutein has a unique localization in the eye, where it functions by protecting the eye from oxidative and light‐induced damage. As humans cannot synthesize lutein, diet or supplements are the sources of this nutrient. We have previously shown that addition of lutein to formula results in comparable growth in infants over a four‐month period. In the current work, the absorption of lutein from infant formula was assessed in two animal models, neonatal pigs and infant rhesus monkeys, and in human infants. For animal studies, two doses of lutein in formula were administered via orogastric tubing. Lutein was delivered at 1.66 mg lutein/kg body weight (bw) and at 332 mcg/kg bw (pigs) or 166 mcg/kg bw (monkeys). Blood, collected just prior to formula administration and at multiple times afterwards, was analyzed for lutein by HPLC. The time course of absorption was rapid and similar to other carotenoids. There was a dose‐dependent response in the maximal plasma lutein concentration and lutein AUC. In addition to these animal studies, the absorption of lutein was studied in infants receiving fortified formula for approximately 36 days. A linear relationship between added lutein and the resultant infant plasma levels was observed. Overall these data provide support that lutein is well absorbed from infant formula.