A daily intake of any chemical form of marigold lutein extracts for 15 days, significantly increased serum lutein concentrations to levels associated with a lower risk of age-related eye disease, a new study published in Nutrients has found.  

Twenty-four healthy subjects (12 men and 12 women, aged 20–35 and 50–65 years), were enrolled in a cross-sectional study to consume 6mg lutein a day for two months in addition to their normal diet. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 15, 40 and 60 days.  

After 15 days, the study participants had reached optimal extract levels, regardless of the chemical form of lutein supplied. “Longer supplementation, up to two months, does not significantly alter the concentration achieved but may contribute to an increase in macular pigment and thus improve the effect on visual outcomes especially in older subjects,” said researchers.