Lutein, [(3R,3′R,6′R)-β,ε-carotene-3,3′-diol],
is a C40
hydroxyl carotenoid. Its chemical structure is based on an unsaturated
polyene chain skeleton, and there are one ε-ring and one β-ring on both sides of the skeleton, with a hydroxyl
group on the 3′ site of each ring. Lutein is one of the important
lipophilic isoprenes from mainly plants and algae. The wide range
of sources makes the study of lutein quite comprehensive. The biosynthetic
pathway and biochemical activities of lutein have been extensively
studied and revealed. Lutein has been extensively studied for its
important bioactivity, including for use in functional foods and medicines
for brain health, eye-related diseases, skin health, and cancers.
This review of lutein summarizes the major studies on bioactivity,
metabolism, stability, digestive absorption, lutein delivery systems,
and biotechnology.
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